Hey, Beautiful Souls!
It’s March 23, 2025, and we’re journeying through Lent—our “40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia” (March 5–April 19, 2025). Today, we’re diving into Matthew 6:16, where Jesus transforms our understanding of fasting with heart. Lent is a sacred time to release what holds us back and embrace Jesus more deeply. Often, fasting, a key practice, is misunderstood, but Jesus provides clarity. We can use this time to fast, explore our creative faith by bible journaling, and dive deep into spiritual humility.
He’s not concerned with outward displays but with inward transformation. Grasp your journal and tea—let’s explore fasting with heart, not habit, as we draw closer to Easter. Lent often sneaks up on us, and by late March, we might find ourselves questioning the depth of our Lenten practices.
Matthew 6:16 reminds us that fasting with heart is about “why,” not just “what.” It’s not merely skipping meals; it’s creating space to meet with Him in quiet intimacy. Lent is a delicate dance of letting go and leaning in. My own fasting—giving up coffee—has led me to ask: Am I growing, or merely surviving through fasting with heart?
This verse is a profound love note: “I see your heart, not your hunger.” For Creative Jesus Girls, this is gold. Fasting with heart can feel like a chore, but it’s a gift, and a chance to use our creative faith. Lent strips away the superficial, revealing our true selves.
These 40 days aren’t a countdown; they’re a reset to rediscover Him. Last year, my fast was a performance, not a surrender. This year, I yearn for a deeper, more authentic connection through fasting with heart. Do you feel that tug too?
As we reflect on Matthew 6, what is Jesus whispering to you about fasting with heart? How can you express your creative faith during this time? Are you ready to dig in?
Matthew 6:16 (NIV)
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
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Jesus delivers this powerful message in the Sermon on the Mount, following lessons on giving and prayer. He addresses those who turned their “suffering” into a public spectacle for human approval. Their reward? The applause of others, not the approval of Heaven.
Lent is our opportunity to shift that focus—fasting with heart becomes a private dialogue between us and Him, a matter of the heart, not a stage performance. Jesus, amidst the hillside crowd, lays bare the true essence of devotion.
The “hypocrites” were likely Pharisees, who prioritized public piety. Fasting was a significant practice, some fasted twice weekly, but they turned it into a theatrical display, with ash-covered faces and slumped shoulders. Jesus, who himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, doesn’t condemn fasting; He critiques the motive behind it, emphasizing fasting with heart.
This verse serves as a Lent lifeline, drawing us back to what truly matters—our heart’s posture before God during fasting with heart.
Fasting God’s Way & Creative Faith
What does fasting with heart truly mean, especially in the context of our creative faith? Jesus uses “when,” not “if,” indicating that fasting is a given, but the motive is paramount. Hypocrites sought applause; Jesus desires authenticity. True fasting with heart isn’t about appearing holy; it’s about hungering for Him, and expressing that hunger through creative faith.
During Lent, we release distractions—food, screens—to create space for God, practicing fasting and exploring our creative faith. However, if it becomes a badge of honor, we miss the point. Genuine fasting begins internally, where only Jesus sees.
I’ve fallen into the trap of performing piety—skipping lunch and sighing loudly for attention. Jesus calls that a dead end. Fasting is a quiet, deliberate choice—choosing Him over comfort, not for likes, but for love, and using our creative faith to reflect that.
Lent’s 40 days are ideal for this transformation. Fasting is woven throughout faith’s history—Old Testament figures used it for mourning, seeking, and repentance. Jesus assumes we’ll continue, but how we do it is the key. They found satisfaction in the spotlight; Jesus offers a richer, quieter, eternal reward through fasting. Lent is our training ground.
I’ve explored why fasting with heart matters—it’s not punishment, but pursuit. Skipping meals isn’t about willpower; it’s about wanting Him more. It’s a cliché, but true—this season, I’m putting it to the test. Fasting from snacks, not for weight loss, but to sit with Jesus, practice fasting with heart, and use my creative faith to connect. It’s messy—stomach growls and wandering minds—but real. Fasting with heart means He’s the audience, not them.
Early Christians fasted before significant decisions—Acts testifies to this. Perhaps we’ve lost that grit. Lent is our chance to reclaim fasting with heart. What is your fasting stirring—hunger for Him or just hunger? How can you use bible journaling to reflect on this?
Beyond the Surface
Jesus digs deep—He’s not here for surface stuff. “Somber faces” cracks me up—those guys were drama pros. But He wants hearts raw, real, turned to Him. Fasting is a tool, not a trophy. Matthew 6’s trio—giving, praying, fasting—is secret devotion. Lent echoes: not ash on foreheads, but spirit shifts.
I’ve done Lent fasts more diet than devotion—coffee gone, heart unchanged. It means letting go to let God in. Less what, more why—drawing close, not boxes. Jesus won’t let us skate by. “Disfigure their faces” is literal—hair messed, bath skipped, martyr played. He’s after what’s under masks. Fasting is not a photo op; it’s a soul op.
Lent’s tightrope—public ash, private fast. I’ve wrestled balance. Last week, I fasted TV and hinted at “holy” vibes. Matthew 6:16 slapped me—Jesus skips my sacrifice face. He wants my heart cracked open. Fasting with heart is sneaky—choosing Him in mundane, water over soda, whispering, “For You.” Not glam, but good.
Where’s your fast living—out there or in here? Lent’s our shot to get it right, soul-first.
My Fasting Flop
Story time—last Lent, I fasted sugar, noble idea. Day three, I’m grumpy, snapping at kids, whining to hubs about no cookies. I’d walk around “woe’s me,” craving “spiritual” nods. Matthew 6:16 stung—I was the hypocrite, chasing pity, not Jesus. So I ditched sugar quietly, with no fanfare, and journaled—scribbling prayers when snack urges hit.
It wasn’t perfect—cranky days lingered—but it shifted. Fasting reset me, trading sweets for His sweetness. Lent’s my redo yearly—what’s your fasting flop? That sugar fast was a trainwreck at first. I’d stash chocolate, and sneak bites when alone—hypocrite much? Told myself, “It’s Lent, I’m trying,” but my heart wasn’t there.
Matthew 6:16 mirrored me—fasting for me, not Him. So I pivoted—dumped the stash, grabbed a pen, doodled prayers. One day, I wrote, “Jesus, You over candy,” laughing, crying.
Raw, ridiculous, real—fasting with heart flipped my flop to breakthrough. This Lent, coffee’s out, no moans. I’m journaling cravings, and chatting with Him. It’s not winning Lent; it’s wanting Jesus. What’s your flop teaching—where’s He meeting you?
Journaling Your Fast
Let’s get creative! Fasting with heart deserves Bible journaling love. Grab pens, and watercolors—write Matthew 6:16. Doodle “hypocrite” vibes—frowny face, spotlight—around it.
Flip the page, sketch your heart’s fast—open hands, flame, cross. Use humility colors—purples, grays for me this Lent. Pray: “Jesus, keep my fast real.” This isn’t art—it’s worship, processing fasting’s meaning. My Scripture Journaling Kit has templates for newbies—Lent-perfect! I drew a cracked cup spilling light—messy, me.
What’ll you create to mark this fast? Let your heart spill onto the page.
Living It Out
How to live fasting with heart this Lent? Check your why—5 minutes daily with Matthew 6:16. Ask, “Is this for You, Jesus?”
- Journal it—write what you’re fasting from, seeking instead. My Mini Journaling Kit rocks for this! Keep it quiet—skip humble brags, and let God see.
- Swap it—replace fasts with Him: prayer, walks, faith chats. I swap coffee for quiet—water and Jesus talks. Small, real—what’s your step?
Free Creative Resources
Creative Jesus Girl is all about encouraging your faith walk and equipping your creative journey. And friends, I am excited about my newest series Free Lent Creatives, now available! All tailored for our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia—download them now! You’ll find them on the menu above or just click the link. Think beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits – all created to help you grow this Lenten Season.
Download your freebies now and let’s journey through Lent together! I’d love to see how you’re using them. Share your insights and creations with #CreativeJesusGirl – I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want even more? Explore my full Scripture Journaling Kits over on my Patreon for past kits, or grab the full Scripture Journaling Kit for your Lenten deep dive. These are yours to enjoy, beautiful souls—let’s create and grow together!
Prayer for Fasting with Heart
Dear Jesus,
You see past my show, straight to my soul, and I’m so grateful. Thank You for teaching me fasting with heart, for wanting my real hunger over my fake holy. This Lent, keep my fast true—strip away the pride, and the noise, and fill me with You. Hold my sisters here too. Guide their fasts, soften their hearts, and draw us close these 40 days. We’re Yours—make us humble and whole.
In Jesus’ Name, I Pray,
and Amen.
Final Thoughts, Connect & Share
Lent’s a slow burn—I’m with you, messy, hungry, all in for Jesus. Matthew 6:16 our guide—where’s it pointing your heart? Comment—I’d love to hear. Share with a friend—hit those social buttons! Tag @CreativeJesusGirl on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn with #CreativeJesusGirl for more faith-filled encouragement. I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl living for Him and sharing my creative faith—have a peek at my or join us on Patreon!
Fasting’s the heartbeat—where’s it tugging you? Swap stories below—I’m here!
