Emotional Eating Does Not Satisfy 

Generally, our emotional pain or longings result from a breakdown in our relationships. Unlike relying on the predictable taste and satisfaction of food for comfort, pursuing and mending rifts in our relationships can be much harder to do. Still, we were created to live in relationship.

God created us to have a relationship with Him, That’s why we’re here. So, if God Himself desired relationship, it’s not surprising that we as human beings crave it, even with all of the ups and downs that come with it. 

So, what does it mean to live in right relationship with others as God does? Well, Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with words that show just how seamlessly God works in relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” All three persons of the godhead work together and have a part to play.

God knows how important it is that our relationships work. Without them, we can’t really live out the full and free life that He desires for us. Think about it. Most of life’s greatest moments only reach their fullest potential when shared with someone else. Consequently, those special food memories you have would be nothing without the people and the community that inhabit those memories. 

Ultimately, we don’t carry around special memories of food unless they’re attached to people. So, that momentary satisfaction you get when you turn to food is really only a counterfeit substitution for meaningful interactions with others. That’s why Paul encouraged his readers to keep seeking out times for fellowship. He wrote his words to a persecuted church. He knew that they could only make it if they stayed together, worked together and endured their hardships together.

God understands your emotions and He knows that your life can get pretty hectic sometimes. He also realizes that in their imperfection, others will let you down. Still, He assures that fellowship with Him and with other believers is the best way to deal with stressful situations.