Living Free - September 15, 2011
His Way Works
Today's Scripture
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!" Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Eating is a normal life function that becomes a disorder when the primary need it satisfies is psychological, not physical. An eating disorder is an attempt to use control to solve unseen emotional difficulties that in fact have little to do with either food or weight.
The chaotic eating involved in disorders like anorexia and bulimia does not solve any problems, but it does create new ones. Physical and psychological complications can be severe and sometimes even lead to death. Medical help is critical to restoring physical well-being. Psychological, emotional and spiritual help are essential to restoration of God's plan for each of his creation.
God has planned for each of us to enjoy self-worth, security and a sense of belonging—things we can only experience as we learn to trust him. Life brings challenges, but God does not intend for us to have to face those challenges alone.
Consider this…
No matter what your circumstances … No matter what you have done or what you are feeling inside … God loves you and is waiting for you to trust him—and to be willing to do things his way. You'll soon learn that his way is always the best way.
Lord, I'm beginning to realize that I have been trying to exercise control in my life with my eating habits. Help me to give up that need for control to you. Help me to trust you and do things your way. My way isn't working. I believe yours will. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from…
Seeing Yourself in God's Image: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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