Matthew 6:16-18; Psalm 86:1-10

Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting in these verses refers to going without food for a time for the purpose of focusing on prayer. The Jews were required to fast at certain times, thus Jesus used the phrase "when you fast" rather than "if you fast." At any rate, Jesus is not discouraging fasting, but He is condemning doing it for the approval of men. Fasting is effective only if we do it in secret, not drooping weakly around or otherwise broadcasting the fact that we're fasting. It will be known "only to  your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." v. 18

Psalm 861:1-10
The headnote calls this "A prayer of David." In vv. 1-4 David humbly comes to the Lord,  and though he is king, he refers to himself as poor and needy and calls himself God's servant. He asks the Lord for protection, mercy and joy. "Guard my life,...Have mercy on me,...Bring joy to your servant..."

Then he praises God in vv. 5-10. Let's look at some of the attributes of God that David mentions:

• He is forgiving. v. 5
• He is good. v. 5
• He is abounding in love to all who call on Him. v. 5
• He will answer when we call on Him. v. 7
• "Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;" v. 8
• No deeds can compare to God's deeds. v. 8
• He has made all the nations. v. 9
• One day all the nations will come and worship before Him and will bring glory to His name. v. 9
• He is great. v. 10
• He does marvelous deeds. v. 10
• He alone is God! v. 10

For our meditation:  v. 11  "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."