The spiritual significance of food, body image and healing

Hi friends!

This post is a little different than my usual motivational Friday message. You see, I’ve been thinking lately that you only really see half of me. There is a big part of my life which I was afraid to talk about until now…I need to share about my faith. In all honesty it’s a difficult post to write. It can be easy to be swept up in the human nature of pandering to your ego and allowing your head to get so big you can’t fit through doorways.

But I know that I simply cannot take the credit for my recovery and the person I am. This is me giving due credit to the Creator and Master of my life. Through him all will find love, forgiveness and grace. It is my hope for you that you will find peace in his arms, as I do.

I don’t know whether you just came here for the delicious food or if you were searching for something deeper. Neither-the-less, I want to tell you that you too can be free to be you. There is a way to fuel your body with food that not only sustains you, but satisfies you.

I’m talking about getting rid of the scales, meal plans and restrictions. Learning to love yourself and walking with confidence, knowing that you are adored and have purpose on this planet.

Here is what I have learnt about the spiritual significance of food, body image and healing:

1.     God is the ultimate provider

Jesus came so that we could have life, and live it fully.

I have discovered that throughout my battle with disordered eating I had been searching for approval. To be accepted and admired by the world. To fit in. To belong.

However, God showed me that I didn’t need to seek his approval. He had already given it to me. There was nothing I could do to earn his love. He gave it freely. He loved me exactly the way I was and no number on the scale would change that.

1 Corinthians 8:8 

Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.

 

 You can start accepting the way you are RIGHT NOW!

Because let me tell you friend, that happiness you’re searching for…you won’t find it at a certain weight, body fat percentage or under a pile of iceburg lettuce.

2. There is more to life than just food

Your sole purpose in life is NOT to have a six-pack and be awesome at eating clean. I was so consumed by counting calories and worrying about macros that I lost touch with reality.

I was broken, and I had turned away from God. I stopped spending time with him and in doing so, I blocked out his voice which was screaming, I LOVE YOU.

Matthew 4:4 

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

I learnt that we will never be satisfied until we are spiritually filled. The only thing that can fill that hole in your life….is unconditional love. The kind of love that makes you take your eyes off everyone else.Love that brings you to tears, and fills you with unbelievable joy.

When you know this love…you will be free.

3. Food isn’t related to molarity

For so long I was striving to be a better version of myself. A skinnier, prettier, fitter person. I allowed myself to believe that what you eat is part of who you are. I thought that if you eat clean and train mean then you are dedicated, motivated and will be successful.

How wrong I was! God does think you are a better person for eating kale smoothies, just like he doesn’t think you are a bad person for not going to the gym. He sees and judges us by our hearts.

Mark 7:14-23

“Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”

4. You have a greater purpose

I came to realize that the effort to be deemed beautiful by society was futile. Beauty fades like the colours of spring. In my old age I want to be known for my kind heart, gentle spirit and joyful laugh. These are the things which remain.

John 6:27 

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

 Having a forgiving heart, loving those who hate you, giving all that you have…these are the things that please God. I want to spend my precious time on earth becoming better at these things so that when I met my Father one day he will be proud of me.

Now, if you read all of that and are not a believer, or are still skeptical then listen to this:

The very best thing about the promises of God, is that they are free. There is nothing you can do to earn his love. You can’t put a price tag on it. There are no refunds or exchanges for credit. All you have to do is accept it.

If you want to be filled with joy each morning, thankful each night and confident in everything you do. You need to know your Maker.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

I have found comfort in his loving embrace. I will never be the same.

His Spirit fills the caverns of my soul.

His love flows through my veins.

His name is written on my heart.

M x