Give Up the Emptiness and Be Filled

Colossians 2:20-23 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations  “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" (referring to things that all perish as they are used) according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (ESV)

^THAT^ was the key verse in my online devotional The Lord's Table: Setting Captives Free, Day 6.  It really gave me something to think about.  How many times have diets I have tried controlled the food but didn't teach me about self control? And yet God created food for us to enjoy...in moderation.  The real problem isn't the food.  It is selfish desire for the pleasure of food...indulgence in food!  A couple years ago when I began this same journey, I sensed God was longing to teach me more about Him but I never really grasped it all.  I put all the weight back on. Through this study, I am realizing the importance of listening to the hunger signals God created our bodies with and not let the food control when I eat and what I eat.  Yes, I still have a plan set in place every day but it is filled with foods I love...in moderation.  To quote my study today: we ought to receive every type of food with thanksgiving. It is man-made religion to say "Taste not ice cream, touch not meat," etc. Instead, we suggest eating in a disciplined manner. If you want ice cream, choose when you eat it and how much of it to eat before sitting down to eat it. If you enjoy Cinnabons (as I do!), then you may have one... but first you must choose when to eat it, and then eat it in a controlled, thankful manner. Food is not the problem; indulging the flesh is.

I am still doing well with the exercise at the gym and thoroughly enjoying how well I sleep now.  My low back still gets angry but I am able to push through the pain.  As I look down the road a few months from now, I can once again envision wearing those clothes I have had to set aside once again.  I have a renewed desire to get there...both Spiritually and physically.