The Inside Story
Today's Scripture
"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Thoughts for Today
People with eating disorders tend to become very self-focused and overly concerned with being acceptable to other people. More and more they believe that in order to be lovable they must be thin and beautiful—and they become preoccupied with making that happen.
Acceptance of your body is a daily process of perspective. One day you may feel fat and unattractive, and the next day you may feel slim and pretty, even though your body has not essentially changed. Ask God to help you see your body from his perspective and to accept yourself as his special creation.
Consider this …
It is important to take your primary focus off your external body and begin to explore your internal self—emotionally, spiritually and as a maturing human being. Remember that attractiveness comes from within. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts above all else. And you will learn that feeling positive about yourself will affect how others view you.
Spend regular time reading the Bible. Ask God to help you to begin to comprehend just how much he loves you and how special you are to him. Remember that he knew you even when your body was being formed within your mother's womb. He has a special plan for your life and it is a good plan Begin to focus on maturing your "inner self" in order to become all he has designed you to be.
Prayer
Father, help me to shift my focus and to be more concerned about becoming what you want me to be—on the inside. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Seeing Yourself in God's Image: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia by Martha Homme, MA, LPC. Written by a counselor with experience helping those with eating disorders, this study is born from her own struggles in adolescence. The group challenges members to find their identity in Christ as they overcome this difficult struggle. This guide offers understanding of distorted body image, denial, and the family systems influence. It also explains how to break free of social pressures and how to restore the temple and tie the recovery process together. A companion booklet Seeing Your Loved One in God's Image, can be used as a quick reference guide dealing with issues associated with eating disorders. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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