It is the Christmas countdown. This can be such an amazing time of year. Yes? Personally, I love the beauty that Christmas can bring out of the human heart. The dude at my favorite coffee shop winks at me, my typically stressed out hair dresser is giddy with joy, and even the dog seems to have learned a new dance step. The world just seems…nicer.
So with that said, Jesus’ birthday is not the time for a sprinkle of self-hatred and a dab of distress. Yet if you struggle with overeating, Christmas celebrations are likely a mixed bag. Mustering optimism, you commit to gain control after New Year’s. You try to pace yourself at the desert table. Is it working?
Fear not for you can let go of trying to find the perfect diet to start on January 1st. You can also ditch your food lists and weight charts. Time to focus on what works. The longterm solution lies in your relationship to Jesus and allowing Him to help you. He can control your eating….if you let Him.
First off, never forget that the devil is lurking behind your struggle with food. For overeaters, Genesis is disturbingly familiar. It started with an apple and went downhill from there. Hence, why you must be decked out, 24-7, in your spiritual armor; especially when you go toe-to-toe with a pecan pie. Ultimately, there are three critical aspects of suiting up for this type of battle; prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer is exceedingly personal. Some folks opt for specific devotionals and others ad lib. No biggie. Just do what comes naturally for you and cry out to the Lord. If your heart is in it, He will hear. Be a shrewd Soldier and call upon our Triune God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Take time early in the morning to beseech Jesus to release you from bondage to food. Actively pray before each meal. This means more than a perfunctory mealtime prayer and then diving headfirst into the sweet potatoes. Honestly open yourself up to the Holy Spirit while you eat and unholy spirits will fall to the wayside. You can do this in the silence of your heart without anyone knowing. Then send up a little prayer of thanks when you finish eating. Jesus deserves our praise!
Fasting is an indispensable tool for the Christian Warrior as well as remarkably healing for overeaters. If you know you will be feasting on ham and cranberry sauce on Christmas Day, consider fasting for part of Christmas Eve or maybe even for a couple of hours on Christmas morning. The goal of such fasts is twofold: alignment with God’s Divine Will and preparation for the upcoming temptation of holiday fare. In my opinion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fasting. A person who has celiac or Type II diabetes cannot fast solely on bread and water. Bad idea. Your Savior knows how you should fast; approach Him prayerfully and you may be surprised by His Guidance. You could be prompted to conduct juice fasts, mono-food fasts, or to fast from a specific activity. It is common for our fasts to change in type and duration over time. Jesus knows what is best for you. Trust Him.
Society overall does not view overeating as a spiritual misstep. In fact, overeating is condoned and encouraged throughout Christmas and beyond. Diets, not repentance, are touted as the panacea for overeating. Not true. Repentance is the healing balm when we slip back into old patterns. How you repent is based on the shade of Christianity you embrace. Just know that for us humans, gluttony leads to demoralization, self-hatred, and separation from Jesus. It is no good. Furthermore, the enemy makes great strides when we refuse to repent to Our Lord. Saying your sorry will put your eating back into the Hands of God. Just do it and move on.
You are a Christian Soldier. The Army of God needs you. I am here for you.
Your Comrade in Christ,
Cindy
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