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…for we have made a lie our refuge
and falsehood our hiding place.
Isaiah 28:15b
At the heart of almost all of our eating “failures” — our choices to eat outside of our God-given boundaries of physical hunger and satisfaction — is belief in a lie. In fact, this lie is likely the #1 reason we keep “failing” at releasing weight or at sustaining 0 to 5 eating.
The belief we hold is this:
Obeying God is not as rewarding as eating will be.
“OUCH!,” right?
Is this a lie that is operative in your life? It is in mine (I hate to admit). In the moment, when the ice cream calls your name from the ice box or the GF muffin (when you aren’t hungry) insists that you peel back the paper and sink your teeth into it, what are you believing? This is going to taste soooOOooo good…and be more rewarding than heeding the Lord and living within the boundary that He has graciously given me.
Ok, so maybe this isn’t what you are intentionally thinking, but somehow, this thought is there, influencing your actions. It may have happened by accident.
How can we break this cycle? How can we stop the lies from affecting us accidentally? We can dismantle and, even, destroy this stronghold by being proactive. Each day when we wake up we can read, speak, listen to TRUTH. Even saying a true statement out loud can help set the tone for our day:
Lord, I know that obeying you is an honor and privilege
No food will taste so good that it will be worth disobeying you.
This is what it means to renew our minds with truth. I can use my truth cards to help me with this, taking just moments each morning before my feet hit the floor to practice what I want to think for the rest of the day!
We want to take a lie that has been causing us to act in ways that run counter to our godly goals (like eating within 0 to 5 eating boundaries) and reject it outright. We then replace that belief (rooted in a lie) with TRUTH–God’s thoughts after him.
As we do this more and more, we will experience transformation.
Romans 12:2 says that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. We want to expose the lies where they exist and welcome the truth into our lives. As we do this consistently, we will find that we actually like the freedom from the tyranny of the lie! We will find that we like the freedom from having to eat outside of our boundaries!
What About You?
1. What are some examples of truths that you can tell yourself each morning (and maybe throughout the day) so that when you are faced with an opportunity to eat outside of your boundaries, you have a truth at the ready…right there at the front of your mind…to refute the lie?
2. What is one practical way you will do this…today?
My go-to thought is, “I know what this tastes like. I’ve had it before, and I’m sure I’ll have it again. I don’t need to have it right now.” I’m also discovering that strong-tasting nibbles — like radishes or pickles — can chase away unhealthy cravings!
I like your first suggestion a lot, Nancy. Yes…”I have had this before and I can have it again! I don’t need to eat it now!” could be very helpful when I am tempted to eat outside of my hunger and satisfied signals! Thanks so much for that.
This is so true and we know it well because when we have those times of surrender and we obey the outcome is glorious. We feel with the Lord’s help we can overcome anything. After we fail to obey we feel weak and defeated.
Today I will remind myself that “to obey is better than sacrifice” God does not want my sacrifice, He wants a heart that loves him and obeys him because I love Him. He wants me to understand that the boundaries are there because He Loves me so much!
Amen!!!
I injured my knee this week, and I was laid up for a few days..Ice-Wrap-Elevation..Pain meds..I found that I was having difficulty focusing on 0-5..I could usually wait for 0-1, but found some foods calling my name, and there were times when I just didn’t want to wait..or stop at 5..This wasn’t for all meals, and I didn’t go overboard like I used too…I am finally getting to read your blogs..You are such an encourager..This is what I needed to proceed ahead… Luv N Hugs..
I am so sorry you got hurt, Barbi. I know when I am sick or injured, I end up feeling sorry for myself and that causes me to be more likely to reach for food than the rest of the time (which says a lot!). But I LOVE that you are seeing progress! That is great! Thanks for your kind words. Let’s DO this thing. I mean…REALLY do it! 😀
OH, Heidi!! As you know, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to read your blog. I started with today’s, Friday, reading backwards, and just had to stop and comment here. These words are such a blessing to me!! Just what I needed to hear. I’ve been doing this TW thing pretty well, I’ve released 38 #’s, but I have about another 20 or so to go. Lately, I’ve not been as strict with the 0-5 as I should have been. This truth is SO powerful for me. I’m going to keep it at my side through out the day!! For days to come!!! Thank you!!!
“Lord, I know that obeying you is an honor and privilege. No food will taste so good that it will be worth disobeying you!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, Dalena. So glad you are checking in while you can. Keep me posted, ok? Hugs and LOVE!