My faith word is surrender for 2016. Faith words like “surrender” and “submit” are difficult for me.   I like being in control of everything in my life, including my food intake.  I want to eat when I want to, regardless of whether I am hungry or not.  I want to eat sweets after each meal, even if I am full.  Surrender also includes letting go of emotions instead of hanging on hurt feelings.  Surrender is giving up control and choosing to follow God.

James 4:8 is, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.” (The Holy Bible, New King James Version, 1982).  Surrender is drawing near to God and doing things His way. God knows what is best for me and can make it happen.  He can also help me deal with problems better than I can on my own.  I need to get my stubborn will out of the way and follow him.  I am being double minded when I do things my way.  I cannot follow both my way and God’s way.  Since God’s way is supremely better than mine, the best choice is to follow His way.

I surrender when I give up my right to eat what I want.  I surrender hurt feelings when I stop trying to fix circumstances I have no control over.  When I surrender, I desire healthy food and eat less without trying.  No longer do I have to try and follow a food plan. As long as I focus on Him, my brain is free to concentrate on work in front of me. I am not distracted by wondering what and when I will eat again.  I no longer force situations to work my way, but allow God to resolve things better than I can imagine.  I let go of hurt feelings, so I no longer eat my emotions.  When I surrender, God frees me from pain and excessive thoughts of food.  As a result, I eat less and achieve permanent weight loss.