“How do I know if I have a compulsive eating disorder?”
Ask yourself this: Do I feel the desire to stop eating or cut out any foods or fats to the degree that the compulsion overwhelms me? Those who struggle with anorexia and bulimia feel enslaved. In their hearts they know that they are not free.
“…For he who is defeated by someone is made a slave to him who defeated him.”
“What is the difference between overeating and bulimia?”
The overeater may not mind being fat, while the bulimic cares too much about her body image and is consumed with self-loathing.
“Wretched me! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
“How do ego and vanity influence anorexia?”
None. The ego is not the problem. Anorexics eat less and less in order to disappear; his inner desire is to disappear. Deep-rooted insecurity in your heart is at the root of anorexia.
“And I said: Who would give me wings like a dove! I would fly, and rest.”
hunger for love
Eating disorders are symptoms of problems that are seen on the surface, but are not the problem itself.
Those who suffer from eating disorders experience…
- Confusion about your values and what is most important.
- Deceive themselves and others.
- Depression from feeling “fat” even though you weigh the right amount for your height and actually look very thin.
- Compulsion to have control over something.
- Loneliness because it avoids being discovered.
- Low self-esteem because he bases his value on his appearance.
- Pleasing to others because he has an exaggerated desire to be approved.
- Perfectionism that comes from believing that everything should fit you perfectly. If not, it’s horrible.
“Well, do I now seek the favor of men, or that of God? Or do I try to please men? For if he still pleased men, he would not be a servant of Christ.”
Physical signs of an eating disorder
- Abnormal cells in the blood
- Bone problems
- Bowel dysfunction
- Dental problems
- Digestive problems
- Gland problems
- Hair loss
- Heart problems
- Hypoglycemia
- Kidney failure
- Menstrual problems
- Mental difficulties
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Eye sight problems
- Weight loss or sudden changes in weight
“Because my life is spent in pain, and my years of sighing; my strength is exhausted because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”
key verse to memorize
“Joyful in hope; suffered in the tribulation; constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
Key passage to read and meditate
Know your true identity
- Know that if you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, his true identity is in Jesus Christ Himself. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Remember that the old “you” has died. (Galatians 2:20)
- Know that even though you go through various trials, you have been completely accepted by the Father. (Isaiah 41:10)
- Remember that the Spirit of Christ will produce in you its divine control. (Galatians 5:22,23)
- Know that your freedom comes through Christ. (Romans 8:2)
“Even if my father and mother left me, yet Jehovah will pick me up.”
Recognize your need
- Accept that you must undergo a complete medical examination. Your life may be in danger! (Proverbs 27:12)
- Attend weekly (or regular) sessions with a knowledgeable and professional counselor.
- (Proverbs 23:12)
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders, both for your sake and for those close to you. (Proverbs 24:14)
- Admit your inability to control your eating patterns. (James 5:16)
- Give up the idea that you need more willpower. Your problem is not with diets. (2 Corinthians 10:4,5; 12:9,10)
- Admit that you must forgive those who have hurt you and you must also forgive yourself. (Colossians 3:13)
- Act by placing all your faith in God’s power to restore it. (Psalm 71:1,3)