Weight Loss
The pursuit of weight loss is big business. I recently read that over $58 billion is spent annually on diet programs and products. Obesity is considered a cause or significant contributing factor in a number of serious diseases. Some have even referred to our overweight culture as a health epidemic. It’s rare to find someone who has not struggled at some level with this challenge.
Extra weight is dangerous because of the strain it puts on the body. It stresses the function of major organs and joints. It wears us down and wears us out. It hinders our activity and mobility. It affects our self-image and confidence.
While physical weight loss is an important topic to consider, there is another kind of weight problem that actually deserves more attention — the weight we carry in our souls. As surely as obesity of the body diminishes and destroys lives, obesity of the soul victimizes and debilitates millions of people.
What does this extra weight look like?
Many people carry the internal weight of:
Persistent worry, anxiety and fear.
Fomenting and fuming hurt, anger and resentment.
Haunting insecurity and insignificance.
Unshakable guilt and shame.
When these things lay heavy on our hearts, we can’t function to the best of our ability. They rob us of vibrancy, vitality, productivity and potential. They make us vulnerable to our spiritual adversary, the devil.
Take a look at a few Bible verses that encourage and instruct us in dealing with weights in our soul:
“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” — Psalm 55:22 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'” — Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.” — Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” — Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” — Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” — 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” — 1 John 1:9 (NLT)
What amazing and wonderful words. Think about all the extra weight that would be lifted from us if we simply believed and obeyed these words from God!
What weight do you need to lose? Enroll in God’s weight loss program! Let Him lift your load. Give up your extra emotional pounds by believing God’s promises and obeying His Word.
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
Listen to Practical Living on OnePlace.com or watch Practical Living on LightSource.com.
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Positive changes happen in us when we know, believe, confess and obey God’s Word. When we agree with what God says about us, our minds are renewed, and our choices and habits improve. In this new book from Pastor Dale O'Shields, you will find 25 biblically-based affirmations that will help you think right about God, yourself, others and the world.
