In the story of Ruth, Naomi, her mother-in-law, encouraged her to anoint her head; wash her face; and prepare to meet her new husband. It was time to come out of mourning and lack, and begin her new destiny with promise and purpose. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus used the same instructions concerning fasting?
He said we are to anoint our heads and wash our faces. In other words, we are supposed to both look and smell good, and have an expectant, positive attitude. In this Scripture, anointing your head speaks of putting on a very fragrant perfume. In other words: deliberately choosing to put on a fresh, winning attitude – as though we are expectant to enter a new level in our faith.
When we fast, we do so in faith, knowing that whatever breakthrough we are believing for, or answer we are seeking from the Lord, will come – setting us up for fresh purpose and promise. As believers, fasting and praying must be accompanied with joyful faith. Anoint yourself and wash your face, because overwhelming victory is your portion as you expectantly wait on the Lord!