The Word of God tells us to be thankful in all circumstances according to the will of Christ Jesus. Do we have to be grateful when we don't lose weight as quickly as we would like? Yep. Does it mean to be thankful for the changes that come with aging? It sure does. But how about feeling down about our health journey? That can't possibly be the case, can it? Um, yep, that too.

Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed by the discontentment we feel about our bodies. When our perception of our bodies is distorted, it can be hard to find much to be grateful for about them. However difficult it may be, it is a divine command. Let's consider why He might ask us to do this before assuming it's too difficult. Gratitude changes our attitude in a very literal sense. It literally renews our spirit when we are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. Being grateful for your body can do a lot to transform your body image over time. It takes patience and practice, but mastering thankfulness is one of the most powerful ways to change your body image.

To accomplish this, I believe there are four crucial steps to follow:

Do not ignore or shame feelings. Acknowledge them.

It’s easy to add insult to injury when we have negative feelings by feeling ashamed that we have them. We attempt to silence them and will them away. We must take a step before we can quiet our negative thoughts. First, we must acknowledge them. Understanding our thoughts helps us get to the heart of the problem. If you have a negative thought about your body, pause and really listen to it. You can read more about this step in my recent article Winning the Battle of the Mind.

Redirect the thoughts

Once you've honored what you're feeling, you need to evaluate its place. If the thought goes against what God says about you or causes you fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, discouragement, or shame, then it does not belong there. If you think, "This weight loss journey is hopeless. I will always be overweight," try redirecting your thoughts and words to be thankful and truthful instead. Say, "Despite this journey seeming longer than I had hoped, I know I have everything I need to succeed, and everything is possible through Christ Jesus. I am a child of God, who works together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Take inventory of what you do like.

The step can be challenging at times, I know. In the past, I have asked women to share three things about their physical bodies that they love and appreciate. You wouldn't believe how often I hear, "There's nothing I like." I get it, but I'm afraid I also must disagree. We just need to be open to the idea that we can begin small and grow as we go. For example, when I was just coming out of my eating disorder and struggled to find anything about my body that I felt thankful for, I listed my ears. Yes, my ears. They're well-proportioned and have lots of pretty little diamonds in them that make me feel young and spunky. It's okay to start from there. You should write as many things as possible and thank God for them over and over until your list grows.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Our Body

Dear God, we come before you today to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the gift of our body. We acknowledge that we are created in your image and that our body reflects your divine perfection.

Physical Strength

Lord, we are grateful for our physical strength and ability to carry us through our daily lives. Whether completing tasks at work, playing sports, or engaging in physical activities, our body enables us to accomplish great things. We thank you for providing us with a healthy and robust body.

Senses

Lord, we thank you for our five senses that enable us to experience the world profoundly. Let us appreciate our ability to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. Through these senses, we can connect with your creation's beauty, joy, and wonders.

Communication

Lord, we thank you for the gift of language and the communication it enables. Through words, we can express our thoughts, feelings, and desires. We are grateful for our ability to connect with others deeply and personally.

Emotions

Lord, we acknowledge that our emotions are a part of the beauty and complexity of being human. We are grateful for the joy and happiness that emotions bring. Let us also be mindful of the negative emotions that may arise, for through them, we learn valuable lessons and grow spiritually.

Creativity

Lord, we thank you for the creativity within us and the ability to express our artistic talents. Whether through music, art, dance, or writing, we thank you for enabling us to create works of beauty and bring joy to others.

Lord, we lift our hearts in gratitude for this beautiful and miraculous gift we call our body. May we always treat it with love and care, for it is the divine vessel through which we experience the world and express our deepest selves. Amen.