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Negative thoughts grow to create more gloom.  The old saying, “Don’t make mountains out of molehills” is true.  I focus on a problem so much that I turn a minor headache into a huge ordeal.  I must deal with both my original problem and my reactions to it. Psalm 119:143 is “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I find joy by following God when stress surrounds me. He shows me when I am making a mountains out of molehills.  God calms me so I can find a logical solution.  He also givesRead More →

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My past failures brought me shame and guilt. Times I spoke unkind words or carelessly retold a story haunt me.  I ate to soothe away self-disgust.  More shame flowed throughout my brain since I couldn’t stop stuffing food down my mouth.  Additional guilt over lack of self-control made me miserable. God is the only one able to lift me out of my pit.  Psalm 34:5 is, “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007)  God takes my shame away when I seek Him.  He gives meRead More →

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Forgiveness is more difficult when the wound is fresh.  I like to prevent myself from being hurt again, so I distance myself from pain.  However, I cannot cut everyone who has offended me out of my life.  Learning to coexist with people who might hurt me again is impossible without forgiveness. I forget to be patient with others and focus on their faults.   Colossians 3:13 is, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you had a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave  you.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  When I cling to hurt feelings and don’t forgive, itRead More →

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I am not expected to enjoy non-stop happiness just because I am a Christian.  I battle through one trial only to face greater distress on the other side.  Before I followed God, I remember wondering, “Why me?”, every time something did not go my way.  I felt mistreated by the universe.  I blamed others and never accepted responsibility for actions that created my circumstances. 1 Peter 5:9 is, “Stand firm against him (the devil), and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996,Read More →

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I will never be perfect.  I try my best, but occasionally eat more food than my body needs. In the past, I would beat myself up for slipping.  This caused me to continue down a path of overeating.  Even though God has taken away my desire to intentionally overeat, I still struggle with food. Matthew 5:48 is, “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I did research the original Greek to discover that the word used for “perfect” both times in this verse is “teleios” , which means “perfect , mature, finished”.   GodRead More →

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God has freed me from overeating and this unhealthy obsession with food.  Before, I was “free” to eat how much I wanted.  There were side effects from eating too much:  stomach issues, weight gain, bloat, and feeling tired all the time.  I carried constant guilt from continuing to fall. True freedom comes from submitting to God.  Galatians 5:13 is, For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I am free to enjoy all foods, in moderation.  NoRead More →

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Anger drags me down.  If someone offends me, I rehash every detail.  “They deserve my fury and need to learn a lesson.”  My rage grows and I justify my position, continuing to list reasons why I am right.   I hate to admit when I am wrong.   By holding onto anger, I wrongly believe the offender suffers. The truth is other people do not know that I carry bitterness from their actions.  James 1:20 is, “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).   God desires for me to be righteous.  However, anger produces the polar oppositeRead More →

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Every time I overeat, I feel guilt. Shame that I have failed again rushes over me. The fact I resolved to do better beats me up.  This guilt tells me I am doomed to stay fat forever.  Overcome by negativity, I am tempted to give up and eat everything in sight.  This self-disgust is not from God.  Instead, He gently nudges me when I fall short and motivates me to get back on track. 2 Corinthians 7:10 is, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  There is a hugeRead More →

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It was once hard for me to relax without constant snacking. Grazing while watching TV  is normal behavior.   Sitting down, whether to read or surf the internet meant snacking for me.  To avoid mindless eating, I used to keep busy.    When I started eating only when I was hungry, I got numerous tasks finished to avoid eating.  Since there are times I need to rest, I am learning the art of relaxing without food. I have to eat to live and will always be surrounded by food.   Using “I need to relax” as an excuse no longer works.  God is helping me overcome temptationsRead More →

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Fear is a normal emotion for me. Sometimes, I imagine the worst possible case scenario to work my fear into frenzy.   Even though deep down I know my imaginary event will never happen, I find something else to worry about.  Not knowing what is going to happen give me stress and uncertainty.  I would rather be in control and know what is going to happen.  Most of my fears come from my unwillingness to surrender control. My fears are erased when I remember to surrender control to God.  Isaiah 43:1 is, “But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, …’Do notRead More →