These past two weeks I have been apart of a challenge group to eat clean. For me, the biggest challenge was trying to not eat sugar.
I think I made it four days before going bonkers. I had to force myself to stay out of the kitchen. I would stuff gum in my mouth (sugar-free of course) to avoid eating 'bad' things. Even when I saw that I had lost five pounds, I just wanted to run out and eat a giant milkshake. And as much as I would like to attribute the hardcore cravings to my 'lady friend' this week, I know the truth: I am addicted to sugar.
I considered myself truly a lost cause when I hosted a girl's baking night at my house. All leftover goodies were left at my place. On my counters. On my stove. Under my salivating care. Suddenly I knew what it must feel like to quit smoking........to quit using crack........and yet have it sitting right there on the counter.
I made just one allowance. And then another. And then another.
Oh yeah. I have a problem.
And I know its wrong.
My addiction should be for the LORD. I have a God sized hole that can only be filled by God. He created this longing in us so that we may pursue HIM and find pleasure in HIM alone. Not sugar. Not eating. Not alcohol. Not drugs. Not exercise.
My soul needs to find rest in God alone when I am stressed (Psalm 62:1,5 NIV). My soul needs to pant for God alone like the deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1 NIV). He is my rock, my fortress, my Savior (Psalm 18:2).
I can't make any promises that I won't stumble and fail again, that it won't be a struggle to turn to Jesus for comfort instead of sugar. And I am not saying I won't ever eat a cookie again. But I will promise to keep taking it step by step, turning away from my sugary comforts, my sugar idol, and step by step closer to Him, the only One who can provide Comfort. I want to be addicted to nothing but God alone.
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,
and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh
Romans 13:14 NIV
How about you? What things in life are you addicted to, making idols out of?? Let's take baby steps together!
