Overcoming Eating DisordersSample

The Bible doesn’t specifically mention anorexia, orthorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders, so it can be difficult to know why they are so harmful or how to handle them. However, you probably instinctively know that abusing food is wrong because your harmful actions are likely followed by massive guilt. The truth is, God has far more in store for you, and the Bible does in fact address your battle—just probably not in the way you expected.

There are a variety of topics that relate to how eating disorders hurt the heart of God. First of all, we are made in the image of God, and we are created with inherent worth, dignity, and value. When we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and we’re told to honor our bodies because they are a temple. Directly harming ourselves in any way disregards how deeply He cares for us and loves us.  

Another way to look at how an unhealthy relationship with food hurts God’s heart is through the imagery of idolatry. Hang with us on that. Idolatry is putting anything or anyone before God in our hearts or in our lives. Idolatry brings our God righteous anger because He is jealous for us. He sent His son to the cross so that we would have eternal life with Him, free and forgiven of our sins. How could we do anything other than worship our selfless God, and Him alone?

We should worship God only, but all too often we fall short and begin to love and idolize something else. This could be a variety of things: celebrities, workouts, food, ourselves, etc. Think of it this way: Whatever you are spending the most time on is what you are worshiping.

If anything is taking up more of your attention and thought life than God, then you may be idolizing it. It might be helpful to ask yourself, “What am I idolizing?” You might find your answers are a specific body-type, a certain fitness level, an unrealistic lifestyle, someone’s looks—the list goes on. Address those areas and start making God your focus and the desire of your heart. 

Self-love is healthy; self-obsession is idolatry. Be careful and pray for God to show you the difference, knowing that He loves you and created you. 

Pray: God, I repent of all of the times I have idolized ________ over You. Forgive me for not honoring my body, and help me fully accept Your forgiveness, love, and mercy. I ask for complete healing from eating disorders. Please give me a healthier relationship with food. I worship You and You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.