Sunday friends! HI!
In the weeks since our last reflection, I’ve really been thinking about turning prayer/right thoughts into actual action. Let me explain with an example in my own life.
You all know I have food issues. While they are getting INFINITELY better, there’s still just little parts that are hanging on and I can’t break free.
In my head, I know that “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) and “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25.)
I repeat scriptures like these, and other similar ones, DAILY to myself. I have them posted in my office. I KNOW that I should be free, I KNOW that I should not care soooooo much about having the “perfect body.”
I pray about it daily. I pray for freedom and joy and acceptance of myself.
I TRULY KNOW it all in my head. But, in my heart?
Not so much.
And that is where the disconnect is. I feel like my head is full on READY to give it ALL to Jesus and walk in that freedom and live in His love.
But my heart isn’t there yet obviously, since I haven’t FULLY put thought into action. It’s like “Here God. You can have me. But….only half of me, okay?”
So, how do you guys turn your “right thoughts” and prayers into action?
Is it by really studying the Bible? I do my daily reading, but I feel like it’s not usually very applicable to the exact issues I have, so it’s not SUPER helping and sometimes I feel like it’s a “checkmark on my daily to-do list.” Which, I don’t like. Maybe you have thoughts on how to go about daily Bible time?
Do you have any good Christian books that have helped?
Anything else?
Or is it just one of those things that, one day, God will help come into fruition, and I just need to wait on His perfect timing?
But, I feel like I need to be an active participant? So many questions.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, or if you’ve ever felt the same way.
I want God to have ALL of me. I’m just now quite sure how to do that.
Just taking a “leap of faith” and living fully surrendered sounds A LOT easier than it is.
Until next time! xo
Alicia says
I struggle with the exact same issues as you and it is tough! Just keep praying and God will get you through it. Right now my women’s group is studying James and it’s been very revealing. I wish I had more to help. One good book is Present Over Perfect! I just found your blog and I love it!
Taylor Kiser says
OHHH I have that book on Kindle and I’ve been meaning to get around to it…maybe I should!!! I so appreciate you commenting, it means a lot to have you here (thanks for the kind words!) and to know that I am not alone!!
Michelle says
No advice on your specific issue, I’m still trying to figure my own food issues out, but I do have a Bible study suggestion for you. I started doing the First 5 studies from Proverbs 31 Ministries and absolutely love them. Here’s a link, http://first5.org
Oh and you don’t have to join a group.
Taylor Kiser says
I have been doing those for a long time – LOVE them! 🙂 Thanks Michelle!
Barbara says
I totally hear you! All I can say is, it takes patience. This has been the year when I *really* have made a daily habit of prayer time, even using a special journal to write down my requests, and what I’m learning is that we just have to wait on the Lord for some things. For example, I’ve long been praying for healing of my digestive issues (IBS and GERD/heartburn), and at this point I just say to God “I trust that you have already provided the healing I desire, and that it will be completed in your perfect timing”.
As for Bible reading, I’m reading through the four gospels right now (via the Harmony of the Gospels book, which lays them all side-by-side so you get all the POV’s and stories in one). I also get a lot out of the notations in my “Life Application” Bible.
Taylor Kiser says
I have that Bible! Maybe I need to read the notations more.
SO true on waiting for the Lord – and SO much easier said than done. Thank you for the encouragement Barbara! <3
dezi says
Hi Taylor, I also struggle. Let’s just keep walking with the Lord. He will get us through it. We are not perfect and HE knows it. This imperfection of ours keeps us closer to HIM, and this is what we need. Dezi
Taylor Kiser says
SO true! I love that! Thanks for the encouragement! <3
Kristen says
I struggle with severe anxiety that has affected every single aspect of my life.. and I have asked a lot of questions to God and about God that you’re asking. In my bible study I had someone say something to me that kinda clicked… She asked if I had ever considered my anxiety to be a constant reminder of how much I need the support and love of God in my life. And I noticed when Im feeling better and stronger I dont talk with God and devote as much time to him as I do when I am really struggling and feeling anxiety. In fact, if it wasnt for anxiety to begin with, I dont think I ever would have begun my relationship with my faith. I know this can kind of sound like “Oh, well God is punishing me and forcing me to be in a relationship with him”, but I dont see it that way. I see it like its my cross to bear, everyone has one, and luckily through it I have become closer to to my faith. Hope that helps a little for you like it did for me! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
I actually LOVE that Kristen! I have never thought of it that way, so I love your fresh, awesome perspective! <3 thank you!
Andie says
I don’t really have much to add to the conversation as I’m fighting food issues too. But it’s so good to know I’m not alone and there are other women also on this journey like me. I truly believe we have the victory in Christ, and one day (it may takes months, years or even a lifetime but) we will all have a testimony of how we overcame. Knowing I am fighting a winning battle makes it os much easier to handle, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Taylor Kiser says
YES! We have to go through the test to get the testimony Andie! You are SO not alone 🙂
I LOVE how you know you’re fighting a winning battle! <3
Erica says
On days when I’m struggling with body image or just feeling down about my body, I find it helpful to imagine myself right in front of God and what I know He would say to my inner monologue, which is of course that He doesn’t care if I don’t have a perfectly flat stomach or the right muscle definition. Reminding myself that if I were standing at the gates, I wouldn’t be refused entry because of those extra five pounds that I never bothered to lose. In fact, they won’t matter at all in that moment! But whether I bothered to be kind and loving and compassionate to others-that is what He will be concerned with and reminding myself of that can help me snap out of the self-criticism that often times comes all too easy for us.
Don’t be afraid to turn to Jesus as a friend – have a conversation with him south your struggles, out loud. He knows you and your struggles so intimately that you won’t need to explain or give context like you might to someone else in your life. He is just there to listen and accompany you on your journey, every step of the way even though some of those steps will be harder than others.
Taylor Kiser says
I LOVE this Erica- picturing myself right in front of God is so beautiful! Thank you for the encouraging words and help! <3