Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Summer had barely started, and our family had already been to several celebrations. In the past, these kinds of celebrations would have caused me a great deal of stress because they almost always involve food—an uncomfortable scenario for someone who struggles with an eating disorder. Thankfully, I have come a long way in my recovery from bulimia, and I no longer stress at these kinds of functions. I can now enjoy the festivities and place my focus where it needs to be—on spending time with family and friends.
Celebrations involving times of feasting have been taking place since Old Testament times.
“The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.” (Genesis 21:8)
“Isaac then made a feast for them, and they ate and drank.” (Genesis 26:30)
“So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast.” (Genesis 29:22)
“When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.” (Genesis 43:34)
In many cases, God Himself instituted times of feasting. Food and the enjoyment thereof is not a sin. After all, God did give us taste buds. It only becomes sin when food becomes an idol, consuming our thoughts and taking our focus away from God.
Don’t forget… the very first sin involved a woman and food! Satan has been tempting us with it ever since. Times and situations may have changed, but Satan’s tactics for tempting us have not.
We must arm ourselves with God’s truths so we can recognize Satan’s lies. It’s time to put food in the proper perspective!
“‘Everything is permissible for me’, but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me’, but I will not be mastered by anything. ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food’ –but God will destroy them both. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Do you not know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:12-13a, 15a, 19-20)
We must not allow the things of this world (such as food) to control us. When we do, we often end up in bondage just like I was to my eating disorder.
Freedom from an eating disorder doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible. I am living proof! Now that I am free from my eating disorder, I will have a better appreciation and perspective regarding food.
If you are struggling with an addiction to food or have been living in bondage to an eating disorder, I encourage you to download Scriptures for Renewing the Mind, which can be found on the “Resources” section of the Living in Truth website. www.livingintruthministries.com
