5 Biblical Truths about Binge Eating Treatment

God, in His goodness, has given us food to nourish our bodies and to give us pleasure. Our tastebuds respond to millions of sensory sensations from the earth’s variety of foods and fill us with satisfaction, especially when this food is enjoyed with family and friends.

The problem with all good things in this fallen world is that we too often look to them to give us the fullness our hearts long for, rather than seeking this from the Creator Himself. While eating certain foods in excessive amounts can seem like a solution to our emotional state (whether we do this consciously or subconsciously), it can too easily lead to binge eating.

Biblical Truths for Binge Eating Treatment

For those who struggle with this pattern of overeating, it is clear that when food has ungodly control over us, the effect is devastating. We experience the torment of being stuck in a perpetual state of bondage and our best efforts for treatment never seem to last. If you identify with this pattern, know that there is a real binge eating treatment; a solution that really will work – a solution that can be found in God’s Biblical truth.

1. Food does not make us feel better

The devil is the father of lies and while it may seem extreme to say that Satan is at work when we’re reaching for a fourth slice of chocolate cake against what we know to be rational, the reality is that the enemy will do whatever he can to destroy.

In a situation where we have had a bad day or are in a low emotional state, believing the lie that indulging in sugar or carb-rich foods (or whatever foods we tend to binge on) will make us feel better is as devastating in our lives as it was in Adam and Eve’s lives on that fateful day when they believed the serpent’s lie that God was holding out on them by not permitting them to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

If bingeing is a pattern, we will know from previous occasions that, after the initial satisfaction of the first few bites, uncontrolled eating makes us feel far worse than when we began – filled with remorse and disgust in addition to physical discomfort. The Biblical truth here as a binge eating treatment is to meditate on God as our refuge and comfort; the one who really can make us feel better through the renewing of our mind in His Word.

A Biblical counselor will work with someone in this way, taking the person who is struggling to God’s truth; perhaps in the Psalms, with David often having affirmed God’s power to be “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Ask God to help you to turn away from the lie that food will comfort you and turn to Him as the true comforter.

2. Food is not the problem

As we acknowledge the truth that food does not make us feel better, we will see more clearly that food is not the problem. As we make progress with our binge eating treatment, we may see other cravings arise – a desire to indulge in TV series perhaps or to shop for clothing or other goods more frequently – again, not bad things in and of themselves but good gifts which can become idols, taking on importance and influence that should only belong to God.

At its core, binge eating is an issue of idolatry, and while we may think that it doesn’t hurt us or others in the same way that an alcohol or drug addiction might, it hinders our relationship with God. If we want to break free from the bondage of destructive patterns, we need to be honest with ourselves about the fact that our problem is not really what or how much we eat – it’s why we seek to be filled up by something that will never satisfy.

We don’t need a new diet regime or simply better discipline (though self-control is a fruit of the Spirit which will help us win the battle); we need to be sanctified by God’s spirit so that we repent of our spiritual problem and move forwards towards being transformed.

3. You need to arm yourself for battle

If the heart of binge eating is a spiritual battle, not only just against our fleshy desires but right down to the core of who and how we worship; it is no surprise that overcoming this struggle is not easy – realizing what we’re up against can be an important part of a victorious outcome.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians Chapter 6 that we need to put on the full armor of God so that we can take our stand against the Devil’s schemes, “for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

The armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Arming ourselves in this way will enable us to stand our ground in these “evil times” as we await the coming of Jesus. And it is exactly what is needed as a binge eating treatment; we cannot divorce our daily behaviors from our soul’s journey, and no issue is too big or too small to be used by God to grow us into His likeness.

4. God’s Word is a feast

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” says the Psalmist in Psalm 119:103. This is a Biblical truth that those who enjoy God’s Word feast on it as though it were a delicious treat – replace honey with chocolate or whatever your favorite food of choice is, and the verse becomes meaningful; perplexing to those who cannot imagine the Bible being as satisfying as something tasty and indulgent.

If we want to succeed in our binge eating treatment (to honor God in how we eat, and not be consumed with destructive behavior) we need to exchange the lie we have believed, for the truth about God (as Paul explains idolatry in Romans 1:25 – “they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature.”) Scripture tells us that when we do that, we will not be able to get enough of learning about God’s richness – we will want to binge on His Word!

Many of us would love to experience this, but don’t seem to get off the starting blocks, or give up our habit at the slightest obstacle. There are many tools available to help us to read the Bible properly, and if you are serious about your binge eating treatment, you will do well to prioritize meditating daily even on a few verses of Scripture and watch your cravings for God’s word increase. Try to find a friend to hold you accountable, or even to read with you as you start to fight your battle.

5. Stand firm for lifelong victory

By engaging in this battle, your binge eating treatment might set you free completely; and in some instances, God does work in this way. Often, however, it is a gradual process, and setbacks are part of the journey towards lifelong victory.

Rather than meeting them with disappointment and despair, expect them, deal with them, and then move on without regret. As with all failures in life, it’s the getting up again that is important – ask the Lord for strength to stand firm and give you the grace to go forward.

Addressing the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul spoke about the fact that, through Christ, all things (except sin) are permissible; we live under grace. However, that does not mean that everything is constructive. We are not to be mastered by things.

Christian Counseling for Eating Disorders

Binge eating fills a person with a deep sense of burden for good reason – we are being mastered, and that is neither helpful nor godly. If you are being mastered, know that you are free in Christ, and that freedom is possible; along with deep satisfaction in Jesus that surpasses the most lavish meal.

If you’re struggling with binge eating or other unhealthy eating habits, patterns, or disorders, we invite you to contact one of the Christian counselors at Mission Viejo Christian Counseling to schedule an appointment today.