Finding Freedom from Food Issues with Intentional Gratitude

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For the next two weeks we’re going to look at intentional gratitude and physical health, specifically diet and exercise. After all, it’s January, everyone is talking food and fitness….

Then why is this such a big deal for me. It should be easy, but it’s not. I feel anxious and vulnerable.

Because I have food issues. People assume that because I’m thin I’m one of those “lucky” people who can eat anything without weight gain. The truth is, except for a brief season of binging, I have been on a diet since my teens. Sometimes extremely rigid. Sometimes a bit more relaxed. But I have weighed (pun intended) the cost of every bite of food for as long as I can remember.

So talking about where gratitude meets physical health (diet and exercise) isn’t easy for me. My thoughts are muddled, because I know my motives for staying thin have had little to do with gratitude and good stewardship.

My motives have been driven by my own insecurity and an image obsessed society.

Let me go back to the beginning of my food issues. Back to middle school when I realized I was taller/bigger than all of my friends. When my nicknames were Jolly Green (Giant) and thunder thighs. When shapeless models were popular and I dreamed of being cute rather than statuesque.  By the time I reached high school the number on the scale each morning influenced what I put in my mouth that day.

I’m hoping you will join me this week, we will search God’s Word….

 All the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables. Genesis 9:2-3 (God’s covenant promise to Noah after the flood.)

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. Psalm 104:24, 27-28 (Ascribed to David, in praise of the Creator.)

And pray:

• to become better stewards of our physical health.
• to surrender our food issues to the Lord.
• to make our health more important than a number on the scale.
• to live each day to the glory of God and to generously share His blessings.

Father, Forgive our foolishness. We have distorted views of food. We eat for comfort and indulgence rather than for health and fuel. We don’t eat in order to control and impress. We fail to share with those in need. We have lied to ourselves for so long. Father, please help us. Guide us. We want to honor You. We want to be better stewards of our bodies. Work in us this week to know and begin to do Your will. In Jesus name. Amen.

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