Are you struggling to give up dieting? Do you battle against body image issues and negative self-talk? Today, I’ll talk about using prayer to overcome dieting and those body image issues. I’m sharing because I so often kept my faith separate from my dieting and desire to change my body. I didn’t think it was right to pray about success in weight loss, or for a leaner, fitter body. And, that was good, as I don’t believe we should be praying for 6-pack abs. However, the prayer should be for contentment, for gratitude, for peace, and for health.
The power of prayer
According to my NIV exhaustive concordance, prayer is mentioned 106 times in the bible. This doesn’t include pray, prayers, praying, prayed, or prays. When prayer is mentioned, it is almost always referencing a prayer that was heard by God or answered by God. God hears our prayers. Mark 11:24 says that, “whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will by yours.”
When I’m struggling with what to pray, I head to Psalms. What beautiful prayers are available to us there! At one time, I would have thought that many of the prayers didn’t apply to me. David had physical enemies, which I have never had. However, there has been a spiritual enemy. By distracting me from full devotion to God, dieting was an enemy. But, it is an enemy from which we can be delivered! In Psalm 143:9-10, David writes, “Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
In everything, pray
Peace of mind is hard to come by when you are worried about manipulating your body, counting every bit of food that you eat, and feeling guilty about “indulging”. However, let’s again turn to the Scripture for guidance.
In Philippians 4:4-7, we have instruction from the apostle, Paul. He says, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7 continues, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We can have peace. Furthermore, He will guard our hearts and minds. If you are struggling with a negative body image, He can help. Battling the desire to restrict your food intake? Again, He will guard you. You need only to ask and know that He will do it. Prayer in all situations is necessary. Ask for peace, body acceptance, emotional strength, and help.
About the author
Erin is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator with almost 20 years of experience. She specializes in weight-inclusive diabetes care and prevention, intuitive eating, fitness, and women’s health. She works as a consultant and writer in the health and wellness space. Erin is passionate about empowering people to manage their own health and to have peace with food.