Hm, where does Tim need to look to find me? Too often I can be found wrapped up in what the world thinks is important. Lately though with the Lord's help I can be found in his word and striving to have self control. When I asked God to make obvious to me the areas in which I need to exhibit more self control I knew that the list would be long. I, however did not realize just how long that list would be! The first and most obvious area is with food. I eat for so many reasons, but rarely due to hunger. I am what 'people' call a stress eater. but you know what, no matter how hard I look no where in the Bible does it tell me that when I am stressed I should eat a bag of chips, and I am sure there is no mention of having a big bowl of ice cream when in the midst of a crisis. I have looked really hard, hoping I would find some mention of chips or ice cream, and to my dismay it just isn't there :( In fact what I found was quite the opposite.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
- Chips and ice cream don't care for me. If they did they would be packed full of vitamins and they wouldn't make me fat. Really though, we live in a sinful world and people, all people, even the people who love you most will sometimes let you down, but what a blessing to know that we have God who cares for each one of us personally!
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
- Sadly, alcoholics and stress eaters have a lot in common. When stress surrounds them the urges become almost unbearable to the body. Do you remember what Jesus said to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane? The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Maybe food is not a self control issue for you. Maybe right now you're thinking, "just don't eat". I wish it were that simple! My flesh is very weak. I am so thankful that in my hour of weakness (which is very often) I can cry out to my Lord and He will give me the strength that I need. He wants me to succeed. He wants me to be healthy. and "We were made for More! More that Failure.....more than this cycle....more than being ruled by our taste buds, body image, rationalizations, and guilt. we were made for victory!"~Lysa Terkeurst
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
- I love the 'Selah' at the end. The information in these verses is so awesome that the reader is encouraged to sit quietly and contemplate it. If God can keep me safe in the storm, I know that when stress abound He can keep me from the fridge!............self control-doing the right thing even when I don't feel like it......Next time... sleep? ...shopping?...work?...housework?....prayer time?
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