Ladies, have you ever had that feeling that something was just “meant to be” or you just know that there is a reason God orchestrated something to happen? Well, that is how I felt as I read the section of the book I am blogging on today. If I wasn’t made to talk about this subject, I don’t know who was!
Yesterday Carissa talked about hiding our true selves. The problem with hiding is that is doesn’t make the problem go away, it doesn’t ease the ache. It just isolates you and, more often than not, causes you to turn to other methods to ease the pain. We call them indulgences. I love what the Bible calls them in Jeremiah 2:13—our “broken cisterns.” These cisterns are different for every person. What is yours? Where do you tend to turn when things get tough? When your emotions get too much to handle? Food? Shopping? Alcohol? Internet? Television? Drugs? The list could go on and on.
Yes, all of these things make can us feel better. The problem is that it is a temporary fulfillment. After a few minutes…a day…a week…the pleasure goes away and that ache is still there. That is because we are created to be fulfilled by only one thing—the love of God. Until you start turning to God to fill the empty places, you will never find true peace. You may not think what you do is a big deal, that it’s harmless. So I had a piece of cake; so my credit card bill just got a little higher; so I spent a night zoned out in front of the tv; so what’s the big deal? In my quiet time with the Lord this morning, I read this in my Bible and I immediately thought how perfect it is for today’s blog: It’s easy to slip into a quiet rebellion – going about your life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. The choice is yours. Will it be God, oryour own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute?
I speak from experience. For many years I turned to food as my “broken cistern.” It was my medication, it was my comfort, it was my love. I was a compulsive overeater AND a bulimic. I tried so hard to control my circumstances through food. What a horrible idea! As I neared 300 pounds, I knew something needed to change. It was my focus. I stopped focusing on the problem and the food and I started bringing it to God. When I wanted to binge, I prayed. When I was upset I turned to God instead of the kitchen cabinets. In no way am I saying it is easy, there were many tears shed and angry words uttered in the process, and it is still an ongoing process, but after losing 90 pounds, and faltering along the way, I can say, without any reservations that turning to God instead of my indulgences made the life changing difference for me. He is always there for us, no matter how far gone we think we are, no matter what decisions we choose. The good news is that, according to Ezra 9:9, “God has not deserted us in our bondage.”
Are you in bondage? If you need to make a change, what does that change look like for you? Remember, it doesn’t need to be a “major” indulgence that keeps you from God, the enemy works in the little things, too. These substitutes will never resolve the deeper issue in our souls.
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LET’S PRAY
Father, we come humbly to You today to ask for forgiveness. We have turned to things other than You for comfort. We have tried to ease our pain with worldly methods. We know that You are the only answer. We know You are the only one who can take our struggles away and give us the love and comfort we desire. Thank You for the grace and forgiveness You offer every time we falter. Give us the strength to turn away from the easy fix and to fix our eyes on You. We ask this in Your Heavenly Name. Amen.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT
What are your broken cisterns? Where do you turn other than God when the stress gets to be too much or the pain is tangible? If you have overcome these issues share some practical strategies with us.
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About Michelle Graziano
