Food is a cherished delight for many, but overindulging can lead to unhealthy weight gain associated with serious medical complications. Even though we want to be healthy, scary statistics are quickly forgotten when we’re face-to-face with our favorite treat. In desperation, we cry: “Why can’t I stop overeating?” as we drown self-defeat in a vat of hot fudge.
It can take time and soul-searching to discover how to trade in binge eating for better health. The best place to start is to ask the Lord for strength and guidance every step of the way starting now.
Here are four prayers you can use any day at any time when struggling with overeating.
- “Lord, give me wisdom.”
“Above all else get wisdom. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
We may not understand why we use food in an unhealthy way, but our Father in Heaven does. He made us, He knows us and He loves us. Ask the Lord for wisdom and your next steps. He may share His wisdom through spiritual understanding, the Bible, a doctor’s advice, a friend, or a helpful article for example. He has many ways of communicating His wisdom to us, but we need to ask and let Him know we want His wisdom. That’s why the first prayer for the overeater is “Lord give me wisdom.” What happens next? He promises to share His wisdom generously.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
Seek out His wisdom and you will find it.
2. “Lord, change my heart.”
When faced with tastebud thrilling food (food we know our body doesn’t need) we often find ourselves caught between two powerful pulls: the desire to eat vs. the desire to stop eating. We can’t force “wanting to stop,” yet “want to” is a major factor in doing (or not doing) the healthy next step. If we want to, we usually do. If we don’t want to, we usually don’t.
The next time your will to overeat unhealthy food is stronger than your will to stop overeating, ask the Lord to help with this simple prayer, “Lord, change my heart.” Consider Paul’s words,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Transformation and renewal take time, but as you practice including the Lord in your journey, His good, pleasing, and perfect will is revealed along the way. You don’t have to wait until you are completely transformed to notice helpful changes. He is doing a new and wonderful thing already!
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
3. “Lord, give me peace.”
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Emotional eating is often a way to feel good fast. Fatty, salty, sugary food can increase the body’s production of dopamine the pleasure chemical. One disadvantage of using food as a tool for peace and pleasure is that the dopamine high is short-lived meaning we need more and more food to keep the dopamine chemicals flowing. Also, the body can build up a tolerance to our favorite junk foods, and as a result, we need increasingly larger quantities of the food to get the same dopamine effect. This can cause unwanted weight gain and health issues. Is there an alternative to food for getting lasting joy faster?
Yes. Studies show that prayer reduces physical cravings for addictive substances and releases dopamine and serotonin. When you pray for peace, not only does the Lord provide you with His supernatural peace, but you are reducing cravings and helping your body learn how to soothe in seconds using a powerful and healthy tool that works. Prayer is faster than food and the results last longer! Try praying “Lord, give me peace,” before you binge. He promises to keep you in perfect peace as you trust in Him.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLV)
4. “Lord, satisfy my soul.”
When our body is comfortable with using food for satisfaction and we introduce a low-sugar or low-carb diet for a healthy lifestyle we can suddenly feel not only hungry but also desperate and empty. What can we do for fulfillment if not French fries? King David shares his secret to real satisfaction in the book of Psalms.
“For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalms 107:9
Whether we’re drained, unfulfilled, bored, or unhappy the Lord alone can satisfy our hungry souls with good things. When you feel like you still need more after eating a healthy portion of food, pray “Lord, satisfy my soul.” Let the Lord himself be your strength and portion forever.
‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26
Food can fill an empty stomach, but it cannot fill an empty soul, only the Lord can do that. Invite Him into your journey with these simple, emergency prayers and experience His great love for you as He helps you overcome overeating for better health, lasting peace, and soul satisfaction.
About the Author
Julia Fikse, FMHC, NBC-HWC is a Functional Medicine Health Coach and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in Emotional Eating as well as Mental Health and Weight Loss. She has personally overcome food addiction and obesity and is the author of the bestselling healthy eating Bible Study series, Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You Don’t Leave Me! and host of The Dear Food Podcast. Julia is not a therapist or a doctor and this should not in any way replace a doctor’s advice. Connect with Julia at www.onesteptowellness.com