18 November 2009

A Glutton's gratitude

by Frank Turk



I think I'm ashamed to tell you that I am grateful that I struggle with my weight problem rather than whether or not my children will eat well each day. [Deu 6:10-12] I'm grateful for my moral dilemmas rather than the fundamental dilemma of subsistance.

Bless us, oh Lord, and these thy gifts, which we receive from thy Bounty, in Christ's name. Amen.






12 comments:

Sir Brass said...

Now that's an interesting way of viewing things, Frank. Thanks :).

Bike Bubba said...

Amen!

Let's not forget that the fat is the Lord's!

(and the word ID for me was paro-LARD....ha ha!)

donsands said...

I struggle with being moderate. The Lord helps me to have good days, but I also have my bad days. I am so thankful for the Gospel, that saved such a wretch as I.

Thanks for sharing that Scripture verse. It made me think of Proverbs:
"Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God." Proverbs 30:7-9

Craig and Heather said...

Frank,

I do believe I have been in your shoes. Embarrassed about myself, yet thankful that the Lord is providing for our family.

I know you didn't ask for "help" but during my personal struggle with unsuccessfully dieting and doing battle with depression, the Lord pointed out to me:

Proverbs 27:7 The full soul despises a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

And the account of the rich young ruler.

And it nearly killed me because I could see myself so clearly in those two passages. Most of what I read in Scripture was either condemning or confusing. I was so full of myself, I didn't have any room for the Lord in my heart, even though I have been a "good" Christian for most of my life.

My physical "appetite" and excess weight was reflecting my spiritual hunger and fatness of "self".

And when I finally was sick of relying in my own abilities, He took me to:

if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

A promise of Freedom from the prison of self!

So that became my goal. With much brokenness of spirit and recognition of the toxic pride that was killing my soul, I sought God's help. Even to the point of deliberately fasting if necessary in order to fully focus on seeking the Lord's help.

And He came in a big way..........

Reading God's word has become an absolute delight. The condemnation has disappeared. I'm so constantly amazed at all of the things that He is showing me (literally as though He is pouring Himself into my soul), that I'm no longer "hungry" and my poor family has to remind me to cook. Food doesn't even appeal that much anymore.

And that is not a small thing, considering I am someone who would start planning the "next" meal almost immediately after eating the current one. OR, would make a special trip to town for some treat she imagined she needed at the moment. OR, would eat half a batch of fresh cookies alone--or repeatedly raid the bag of chocolate chips until there weren't enough left to make a batch of cookies.

And nearly 15 pounds are gone without me doing anything at all to cause it to happen.

I know no one asked for my "testimony", and I'm sorry to take up so much space in sharing it. But this post reminded me and I couldn't help but share what God has done in my own life.

I am thankful that God is faithful to forgive and lift up His children when we humble ourselves and cry out to Him for help.

:o)

Heather

Nash Equilibrium said...

Maybe this could inspire "The Glutton's Blessing" ??

"For what we are about to receive into our already enormous and overfed bodies, please accept our thanks. May you strengthen our thighs and ankles to hold up under the strain of these your blessings. Amen."

David Regier said...

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
(Psalms 63:5-7 ESV)

JG said...

Thanks for sharing, Heather. Just so you know, I needed to hear that.

Colin Maxwell said...

I remember once being tackled at a church supper about the fact that I am somewhat fond of the food. With my back to the wall, I quoted the verse from Luke 10:8 which declares:

eat such things as are set before you:

Shameful hermeneutics actually.

Regards,

Colin Maxwell said...

Sorry to come back so soon...but someone has just tweeted on Twitter:

"Personally, I am a five course Calvinist"

Regards,

Aaron said...

Amen, Frank.

Great post.

Pierre Saikaley said...

I'm glad you can be thankful for that. For me it's more cerebral. I look at my situation and I'm more prone to complain than be thankful.

C. M. Sheffield said...

Luther's "grace at meals." I often employ this form of prayer at our table. Good post.