Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Do you ever have days when life feels completely out of control? An unexpected illness, difficult relationships, strained finances, loss of a job, stress—even an untidy house can send some of us into a frazzled state of mind.
Sometimes the natural tendency is to focus our attention on another area of life, where we can gain some semblance of control, but for some, the diversion becomes more than a means of distraction. It grows into something dangerous—a stronghold that takes over our lives.
Out of control feelings present a real problem for individuals with eating disorders. As a means to cope, anorexics restrict food intake, bulimics binge and purge, and compulsive over eaters consume large quantities of food. These unhealthy patterns of behavior eventually consume a person’s life to the point of powerlessness. I know because I lived this way for many years.
Ironically, disordered eating behaviors have little to do with food, even though food becomes the method or drug of choice. The unhealthy patterns of behavior are an attempt to gain control of one’s circumstances. I say attempt, because when I was living in bondage to my bulimia, I wasn’t in control of my eating disorder at all. It was controlling me.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones…” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
After being set free from bulimia, I learned the secret to finding peace and balance in my life, even when circumstances spiral out of control. Instead of holding on tighter, I let go completely, surrendering to the ONE who controls everything—God.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16-19)
Surrender is the most difficult thing to do; yet it’s where we find true peace, joy, and balance for our lives.
It’s time to start letting go.
