Winning the Food Fight. 5 Unhealthy Patterns for God-Honoring HabitsSample

Negative self-talk is like a lion, pacing back and forth in a cage, watchful and waiting for an opportunity to pounce. The negative self-talk is captive, but it can break free with one extra doughnut hole we said we wouldn’t eat or when those pants that fit last year won’t come even close to fastening. When that happens, Philippians 4:8 (NIV) gives us a holy filter for our thought life: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Whenever we talk about habit formation, it begins with identifying the unhealthy pattern and then exchanging it for a God-honoring habit. But take it a step further. When it’s negative self-talk, don’t just exchange it. Demolish it. Second Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) says: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When the lie, excuse, or fear comes to mind, that’s the moment of truth. Evaluate whether that thought is true. Ask yourself if it is lovely. Consider whether it is admirable. Is it right? Noble? If not, then it’s time to strap on your seat belt, shift into gear, and swing that wrecking ball, demolishing every lie—every roar—from the enemy. We need to take a holy wrecking ball to the shaming thoughts that we play in our minds. God does not look on with eyes filled with shame. He looks on us with compassion, even as we face our food triggers, and that’s a truth we can take to heart. Prayer suggestion: Lord, thank You for looking on me with love and compassion. You do not condemn me, and I no longer want to condemn myself. Draw me with Your loving-kindness. I often feel guilt and rehearse negative statements about myself that I would never say about someone else. Break this pattern in my life and help me to see You as You see me, a child of great value. In Jesus’ name, amen!