The binge eating Christian has a double whammy. What is often referred to as binge eating can be a difficult thing to overcome for anyone, but this is especially true when you feel like you’re the only believer struggling with it and don’t know where to turn for help. But I assure you, you are not alone. In fact, there are many other Christians who suffer from what is often called binge eating and frequent overeating.
As Christian women, you and I “know” the right place to go for help…to our loving Lord, Jesus Christ. But do we really believe that He provides that type of help? Well, for decades my actions proved that I did not truly believe that Christ would or could help with the deeper issues that had me running to food for soothing.
Before grabbing some food, I didn’t stop to approach the Throne of Grace for help from the Lord. I wanted the temporary soothing of the eating experience or a favorite flavor (which always carried a backlash of guilt or shame). I wanted a quick distraction rather than a lasting remedy.
These actions proved I did not actually know or believe that God’s promises of true peace, rest, joy, and fulfillment in Him! And truthfully, I don’t always remember that now when I need to, either.
Joy and Satisfaction in God for the Binge Eating Christian
But I can honestly say that I know there is true healing, satisfaction, peace, and freedom to be found through the Lord for binge eating Christians. Not only because I am living proof, but more importantly because God’s Word is true and God cannot lie. When we seek Him and follow His ways, He is faithful to work in even these food-and-eating-related deep heart issues.
Here are a few things God says about how He alone gives us the deepest satisfaction:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” (Isaiah 58:11).
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9).
Sometimes it hits me afresh that I am no longer living in the eating, dieting, and body image enslavement I lived in for so many years of my life! I am no longer a binge eating Christian. This causes such gratitude to the Lord and increases my faith whenever I think of it. I know my own strength could never get me out of this bondage. All my attempts only made it worse!
Now, this isn’t to imply that I never get tempted to run to food first anymore, but since I have a newly-remodeled heart and mind, I know how to deal with these temptations through faith in Christ and reliance on Him.
And I Want Other Binge Eating Christians to Have This, Too!
Since this freedom and transformation starts and is completed by the goodness, grace, and power of God, we must begin the journey by casting ourselves upon His grace in prayer.
To help you in your moments of temptation to run to food instead of to the Lord, here is a quick prayer list I suggest you use:
- Pray for help (Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Chronicles 16:11)
- Pray for strength to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13)
- Pray for self-control (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:8; 1 Corinthians 9:27)
- Pray to be made content in Christ alone (Philippians 4:11-12)
- Pray for spiritually mature guidance (Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 19:20)
- Pray for a greater desire to live for Him (Romans 12:1)
Practice the habit daily of coming to the Lord in humble prayer and faith that He hears and will not leave you. This will help you come to Him during the moments of greatest temptation.
Then come back next week to read What Binge Eating Christians Should DO where we will look at some practical steps and preparations for you. In the meantime, you can grab a FREE ebook, “Escape the Binge In 4 Simple Steps: The Christian Path to Stop Overeating” by clicking HERE. This will give you 4 solid steps and more to begin a sure-fire way out of binge eating!
For comprehensive help, you can apply for a free Kickstarter Plan call HERE or find out about our immersive online group program HERE.
