The Burden of Addictions

The definition of addiction according to Merriam-Webster: ‘a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly.’

Addictions are so destructive. They get into our psyche and can take over our thoughts and our lives. They make us feel unworthy, depressed and helpless. How do we overcome the addictions that rule our lives? I’ve known many wonderful people over the course of my life that have struggled with some sort of addiction. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, spending and the one I personally struggle with.. food. I don’t pretend to imagine what it’s like dealing with other types of addiction. But, this one is a vulnerable post and a tough one for me to write because I’ve been trying to overcome this particular addiction my entire adult life. I can’t blame ignorance, that I just don’t know how to eat properly to take care of the body with which God has blessed me. I’m perfectly knowledgeable about proper nutrition. Especially in this day and age with information literally at your fingertips. I’ve always felt like I just completely lack the capability of controlling myself around those ‘bad foods’ and am completely helpless when it comes to controlling my portions of those foods I enjoy.

Gluttony has been a demon I’ve battled for many, many years… way back to my teens. I know I’m not alone in that. I’ve tried every diet, meal plan, exercise plan and medication that has ever been invented. Somedays I feel like I’m able to beat it and get that monkey off of my back, for a little while at least, and other days it seems like the demon wins.

Here’s the thing I wonder though… is food addiction trying to fill a hole that you should be turning to God to fill? It certainly isn’t a physical hunger most times that we’re trying to satisfy. But what if it’s a spiritual hunger? What is missing in our soul that we try to fill that hole with food and why aren’t we turning to God to fill it?

1 Corinthians 10:31 – ‘ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’

I’m certainly not glorifying God when I’m eating so much I’m miserable. I’ve always assumed that I just really enjoy food and don’t have the willpower or self-control to eat in moderation. That I’m unable to slow down and stop myself from overeating. But what if that’s not it at all? What if it’s not the enjoyment of the food? I wonder if we eat and eat… and eat some more trying to fill something lacking in our souls with food rather than filling it with a deeper relationship with God. Maybe, just maybe if we were to slow down, eat the good nutritious food that God intended for us to eat, and spend time with Him… we might be able to actually enjoy that food a little more. Maybe we could decrease the need to shovel in more and more of it in a effort to satisfy something only He can satisfy.

I know for myself, because John usually works long hours, we usually eat separately. So I grab my dinner… whatever sounds good at the time, turn the TV on and mindlessly eat. It’s no wonder I can’t control the amount. I’m not even paying attention to the food! I’m certainly not spending time with Him while I do it. I’m not thinking about how thankful I should be that we have good food in the house to eat, a house to eat it in and someone to share it all with. I should be thanking Him for all of that by spending a little time in His word each day. By treating my body, the temple He so graciously provided for me, with the respect it deserves.

I hope you weren’t coming here hoping I can solve your eating problems…I’m certainly still working on mine. But here’s what I do know… no matter what we struggle with, what burdens we carry, what addictions we can’t seem to get over… we have a God that is bigger than ALL of them. I’m going to give you the advice I’m going to try to follow myself. Take it to Him in prayer. Lay it at His feet and ask for his help in conquering it. I know I want to be a better steward of the blessings He’s entrusted to me. That’s the only way I know to finally beat it.. to give it to the God that conquers all.

1 Peter 5: 6-7 ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you..