Anything in excess knocks us out of balance. 

Last summer when my mom was hospitalized, I completely got off track with the way I ate and monitored my food intake.

By the end of the summer, it was time for our seasonal corn maze business (when we open our farm to the public).  That season keeps me hopping and I usually just grab whatever I can to nourish my body those two months.

Now, it seems like it has just become a bad habit again and chocolate has become my drug of choice.  I can literally feel myself soothing the pain/frustration that comes with dealing with my parents.

My jeans are tight and I don’t like what I see in the mirror.

Deep sigh …

Today’s bible reading was Proverbs 23.

Even though this first verse is talking about the one who is offering the food and how his food is deceptive, the word gluttony just slapped me in the face.

Proverbs 23:2
… and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

It is such an ugly thing … gluttony.  Craving more and more even though I’m satisfied.  Disgusting.

I can only imagine that IF there is a demonic spirit representing gluttony, he would look something like this picture below:

Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Yes, Lord.

Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine
   or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
   and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Wow, drunkards and gluttons are lumped together.  I can see why.  Anytime we run to a substance or to ANYTHING/ANYONE other than the Lord (to cope with pain), we are heading down a slippery slope.

Maybe food isn’t your issue, but alcohol.

Proverbs 23:29-35
Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
   Who has strife? Who has complaints?
   Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine,
   who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
   when it sparkles in the cup,
   when it goes down smoothly!
In the end it bites like a snake
   and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights
   and your mind imagine confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
   lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
   They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
   so I can find another drink?”

Maybe someone reading this post doesn’t has a problem DENYING herself food.  Maybe some of you place “works” in the spot where God should be in your life.

There are so many ways we can get ourselves into trouble.

There is HOPE.  His Name is Jesus!  I need Him every second of every day!

If you are reading this, then you have hope too.  His mercies are new each morning, so that means we get another chance.  (Lamentations 3:22-23.)

I appreciate any prayers you send my way and if you need prayer in this area, I will pray for you.

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

(Photo credit:  Al Barrelli, ManintheMaze, gluttony)