Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? – Matthew 6:25
I’m just going to say it and get it out of my system now… OUCH!!! I’m a self-proclaimed worry wart. If I don’t have something to worry about, then I start worrying because I have nothing to worry about. I’m human and yes, I know that faith is bigger than fear, and God is working with me on this. I have FAITH that He will show me that I don’t have to FEAR and FRET about things. It’s a work in progress.
What is life, anyway? I used to live to eat. I’m not proud of it, but I did. I used to wake up and wonder what was in the refrigerator to eat. Food was my first thought in the morning and my last thought at night. The result of that thought process and subsequent behavior pattern was a 70 pound weight gain, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Emotional eating is a horrible addiction.
Through prayer and study, God helped me find the underlying depression, He broke the bonds that held me captive, taught me how to treat my body instead of destroy it. I no longer use food as a coping mechanism and it no longer has me in its grip. Now, food is fuel instead of comfort. God taught me that life is more than food.
The same depression was leading to a shopping addiction and substantial debt. God is so patient with me. He taught me that life is not about the clothes I wear. The woman with the designer handbag is not the happiest. There is a high when you first make the purchase, but that quickly turns into buyer’s remorse. By the time you get your shoes, bags, clothes, jewelry and anything else you think will make you happy out to the car, you have a sinking, sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Debt causes stress and stress makes me worry. What a vicious cycle.
Dear God, I am hungry for more of You. Today I am boldly coming into Your presence to receive the help I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There’s no possession in this world that means as much as my relationship with God, through His Son, Christ Jesus. All I want now is to hear Him say the words, WELL DONE when my life is finished. Nothing else really matters.
You would not know I’m the same person who was so wrapped up in food and clothing not so long ago. Today, I’m 30 pounds lighter, have cut up over 10 credit cards and my debt is manageable. Funny thing, but I don’t worry as much as I used to either. Hmm…
Now when I get mad money, I go into my local Goodwill store and I’m perfectly content to wear gently used vintage clothing. Once in a while I even find a designer label – but shhh… don’t tell.
Life is more… so much more than food and clothing. I’m here to tell you that God can break chains and He will if you ask Him to… He will help you identify the underlying depression and speak His truth to your spirit until you see yourself the way He sees you. He loves you so much and wants to help. 🙂
HEART HUNGER 