So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10, NIV
Grace was the oldest of five children. Her family had been homeless when she was young. To make sure her siblings got enough to eat, Grace often went without food. Sometimes, the only food she would eat was what her friends at school shared with her.
Eventually, her mother was able to secure a good job. They moved into a tiny apartment complex and began rebuilding their lives. The financial struggle was still present, but now, there was enough food.
The problem was that Grace had associated food with being selfish. When she ate, she often felt so guilty that she’d go into the bathroom and purge. As soon as the food left her stomach, her anxiety would ease.
When Grace was in college, her roommate suggested that Grace see a counselor to deal with her food issues. The thought of going made her feel like panicking, so her roommate volunteered to go with her.
It took years of therapy, but Grace no longer purges. She still struggles with the desire to, but she has a support system in place that loves on her.
Eating disorders can be a form of darkness. They can stem from a difficult childhood (like Grace’s), past abuse, low self-esteem, and other issues.
Getting help for an eating disorder may feel hard. But God is with you, and He can send a friend or loved one to walk with you through this season of healing.
Prayer:
Lord, I’m scared. I want help, but I don’t know where to begin. Please heal my heart and my head from the lies I’ve heard. Help me to see myself through Your eyes of love. Send a compassionate friend to walk with me so I can feel Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
