17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:17-18
We start this verse with a “But” which means it’s in comparison to yesterday’s verse. When memorizing the KJV, often people get stuck on words like thou, thine, thy and tenses like fastest, and seeth. I’m finding that the language is so different, It’s easier to learn the word for word order and keep that in my mind.
Today, Jesus is contrasting the “Hypocrite” from what it is He wants us to do, which is fast, but do it in secret, do it so only the Father, who sees all things knows what we do.
In contrast also, we are to Wash our face, anoint our head with oil, make it look like we aren’t fasting. Actually make it look like everything is great, put on that extra dapper, or for the ladies, apply that extra level of beauty so that only the Father knows the desire of our heart.
I’m often taken back when people ask “How are you doing?” How should I answer? Should I tell them the truth? I’m learning that probably, not. When I have problems, My confessions, my issues are to be made with my Father Above. No one needs know my suffering.
God seeing all, and knowing our heart will reward us openly. He will bless us beyond what we need to be blessed. Look at the life of Job, when he was in real tribulation and trouble, but Job stayed faithful to God, and God rewarded Him.
Lord, Give me the strength today. Lord, as I wash up, and hide the troubles and tribulations that Satan has brought to my door, let me honor you in the words I say today, and may I be a blessing to those around me.
Journals of a Fallen World 
Don’t be to hard on yourself. There are passages about sharing each other’s burdens and the like. I think where we give the pat answer “I’m fine” is to the general public, as like the context of the hypocrite was a general public display of piety. And just the same his personal friends would know the difference. So too sometimes we can let our guard down, with close, personal, and protective friends and kin.
Thanks for that insight Dr. John, I don’t ever want to draw attention to my situation for my own personal gain. I think there is a big danger in be a victim in our society, it’s almost, a disease. I agree that in a private situation, one on one, with people I trust, I do share. Being a victim is just as powerful a drug as anything sold on the streets of major cities. I really think that Jesus is talking about the reward is the piety and praise they get from people who don’t know the whole story. Again, my friend, Thanks so much for the comment!