Have You Tried Everything? A Biblical Way to Improve Your Body Imageনমুনা

Where Have You Placed Your Hope?

Perhaps, like me, you’ve tried all the things. Some worked for a season; some never worked. You’ve tried fitness plans and diets. You’ve tried surgeries or undergarments that make it look like you’ve had surgery. Powders, pills, creams, injections, and supplements.Check. You’ve looked in the mirror and told yourself you’re pretty. You’ve dutifully written lists of what you “appreciate” about your body. Yet the Ferris wheel never lets us off the ride. Our heads won’t stop spinning. We hope a few body tweaks will settle our worth and stop the cycle altogether. But, deep down, we all wonder: Will I ever be free?

Our body image journey can feel like one long string of letdowns. We’re disappointed that the plan didn’t work (or the results didn’t last). Maybe we’re frustrated with how much we’ve been working out or spending on skincare products, yet we still don’t like the way we look. The struggle could be with aging. None of the turn-back-the-clock potions rewind time well enough.

Maybe it’s deeper than that. Maybe you just feel depressed that this is the body God gave you, and you wrestle a twinge of resentment. How is it fair that “this” is the body he chose for you?

I can relate to every one of these feelings. But, let’s go back to square one. There’s only one kind of hope that does not disappoint. As Romans 5:5 reminds us, that’s the hope placed in the one who could never disappoint: Jesus. When I put my faith in counting points or riding a fancy exercise bike, it’s misplaced hope. These body transformation tools may change my physical being, but they won’t touch the places where my body image needs the most healing—in my heart and in my mind.

Today, let’s explore where true hope is found and where we must place our hope.