When it comes to finding victory over food and disordered eating, we often speak of enjoying freedom in the Lord. However, you may wonder what this means and how it looks practically. It simply means that, because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and victory over sin and death, you are no longer obligated to sin nor to satisfying your flesh. Now you have the same authority over sin that Christ had when he rose from the grave.

The truth is, though, that before we can apply that freedom, we are often called to embrace it emotionally and spiritually. Forgiveness, confession, and freedom are very closely related.

David wrote these words in Psalm 32. “Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, favored by God] is he whose transgression is forgiven, And whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute wickedness, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away. Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand [of displeasure] was heavy upon me; My energy (vitality, strength) was drained away as with the burning heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my wickedness; I said, “I will confess [all] my transgressions to the Lord;” And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You [for forgiveness] in a time when You [are near and] may be found; Surely when the great waters [of trial and distressing times] overflow they will not reach [the spirit in] him. You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. Do not be like the horse or like the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bridle and rein to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous [who actively seek right standing with Him]; Shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”

Is there anything Jesus brings to you in prayer as you meditate on Psalm 32? Are there events, words, people, mistakes, even yourself or God that needs to be forgiven and settled in your heart so you can move forward in total freedom?

When we are operating entirely in the freedom Christ offers us, we are also equipped to live in food freedom. The key is keeping Christ at the center.

Before I understood this, I dreaded eating in front of people. I had such self-awareness that I chose foods and quantities I thought were in line with what other people expected of me. There was so much wrong with it. I cultivated years of binge eating and sneak eating because I was so aware of myself. Eat for an audience of One.

Is your focus Jesus? Are you eating with peace and a clear conscience? Integrity is how we behave when nobody is watching. Would your behavior change if people were watching? A lot of heartbreak led my healing journey to food freedom. However, it was the broken-heartedness that truly set me free. I achieved true freedom when I reached a point of deep repentance over the focus on myself and not God. The only motivation that will endure is the desire to serve God with your choices above all else. That is the way to lasting freedom. It is the only answer that will never leave you empty.

When we resolve to take diligent care of our bodies as an act of worship and to honor Christ, we instantly become more effective in this life and for the Kingdom. It’s almost automatic for the body to follow the mind when it’s focused on glorifying the Lord. You will be interested in taking care of yourself to be as effective, successful, beneficial, and vibrant as possible for the Lord.

Maybe you have never thought of eating other than for weight loss. When you walk in freedom from that mindset, you will be delighted as you view caring for yourself from motivations not limited to appearance and aesthetics. You will truly understand what living better feels and looks like when you shift your focus from eating well for a number on the scale to something bigger! How are you motivated to be your strongest, healthiest, and vibrant self? You can shift your focus from nourishing your body for weight-related goals to serving God with your body today.

I pray that you will be strengthened to enjoy the profound freedom that Christ lavishly pours out. It's the greatest gift and it's yours for the taking!