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!
I understand using food for comfort - you are so right - only He can comfort me, truly give me the peace I crave:) Hope you can put sugar in its place so you can still enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI hope that I can get back to that place..but for right now its apples and peas for me! :))
DeleteHi there - I am visiting from the UBP13 :) Glad to have found your blog; I really like your writing style and can't wait to poke around some more :) I totally relate to your post...for me food as a whole is my weakness...and since I am pregnant, well, look out worls, because I am so overcome by cravings lately it is ridiculous! Thanks for the great reminder about the God-sized hole that can't be filled with other things. Can't wait to read more of your posts :)
ReplyDelete- Jennah
Oh man! When I was pregnant it was just a free for all! I don't think I even tried. Oddly enough, I didn't crave sweets, but really NEEDED pizza!
DeleteThanks for stopping by! I love making new bloggy friends :)
I, too, understand your addiction to sugar!!! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It sure is tough, especially when I love to bake!
DeleteGreat post and love your blog! I wandered over here from A Holy Experience and am glad I did.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have a sugar addiction...guess the chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven would attest to that! ;)
My big addiction...Facebook. Ugh, I am on there way too much and am trying hard to limit my time. I enjoy it as a way to keep in touch with friends and family that I otherwise wouldn't, but I do need to find a balance.
Anyway, nice to "meet" you!
Yes! I got a Twitter account to help follow some of my favorite sites and blogs......and very shortly after had to set some serious rules of only checking once a day.
DeleteGreat to meet you too! Wishing I could at least smell those delicious cookies from here...
Hi! New follower here from the UBP13! Your blog is awesome and we have a good bit in common. I am a new blogger and hope you will stop by and follow me at http://mybutterflyhaus.blogspot.com! Happy Blogging!
ReplyDeleteSure thing! I love making new bloggy friends! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThere are so many little things in this world that turn into a monster thing in our hearts, and it's a slippery slope. But honestly just realizing it is a great step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with the Cozy Reading Spot this week - love that you stop by so often.
Marissa
http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
Yeah I love that you take the time to read and visit each post! Thanks for hosting such awesome link ups :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm a sugar addict for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love the verse in Psalm 119: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (verse 103). How I long for a spiritual appetite for God's Word that EXCEEDS my physical appetite for foods.
Great post! Thank you for commenting on my blog.
Keri
That is a fantastic verse, thank you for sharing it with me!
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