Overcoming Eating DisordersSample

There are many factors to overcoming eating disorders, but it’s incredibly important to replace negative self-talk. What we think in our minds becomes what we believe, and what we believe eventually becomes who we are. Not only does science back this concept, but the Bible confirms it: 

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

Our minds are more powerful than we realize. As we repeat thoughts and behaviors, we begin to create neural pathways in the brain, which are patterns that can form habits. It takes only 20 repetitions to form a neural pathway and just 40-50 repetitions to create a habit. 

So, consider this: About how many times in a single day do you think a self-defeating thought? 

It might be daunting to think about. Maybe you’ve hit that 20 mark before the day has even ended. That’s why it’s so vital to be mindful of what we are truly thinking and telling ourselves. But remember, you’re not alone in this battle!

Paul explained in his letter to the Corinthians why we need to change our self-talk, and how we can actually do it: 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

If we’re constantly filling our minds with negative self-talk, we’ll start believing it’s true. But when we acknowledge that those thoughts disobey God and aren’t true, we can start taking them captive and replacing them with things that are true. Let’s practice.

Negative self-talk: I’m not good enough. 

Try replacing with: On my own, I’m not good enough. But Christ in me is more than enough. 

Negative self-talk: They’ll never love me if I stay like this. 

Try replacing with: I can’t control whether someone gives me love. But I am worthy of love because I am created in the image of God. 

Negative self-talk: If only I looked more like ______. 

Try replacing with: God, I’m so grateful you created each of us so uniquely. Thank You for creating me with _______. 

Whatever lie you’re believing, find Scripture to fight it and ask God to help you replace it with truth, just as Paul wrote.

Our enemy wants us to believe lies because he is the father of lies. He wants us to believe the worst about ourselves. We know that he is a thief who comes to steal and kill and destroy. He wants nothing more than to destroy our self-image with feelings of inadequacy, and to paralyze us so we can’t complete the work God has called us to. 

But when we listen to our Heavenly Father, the one who has declared, “I am the Truth,” we will begin to see ourselves as He does: loved, called, chosen, and redeemed.

Can you imagine what might change about your life if you chose to believe you are who God says you are? God is truth. He is not capable of lies. He has spoken this of you, and you are free to believe it! Take captive every thought that tells you otherwise, and live in the freedom of who God says you are today. 

Pray: God, thank You for calling me Yours. Help me to recognize what lies I’ve been believing and to take them captive. Show me how to replace every lie with Your truth. You are good. Heal me from my battle with food, and help me fully believe that I am who You say I am. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Challenge: Make a list of negative lies you’ve been believing, and replace them with truth from Scripture. 

*We know eating disorders and other battles with foods have many causes. If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s time to seek help. Find a Christian counselor in your community, and seek out your next step in the healing process.