Bulimia Help

QUESTION: Bulimia help - How can I change my perception of myself?

ANSWER:

One woman wrote, "For several years, I've been struggling with bulimia. I have been throwing up so long that my period has even stopped. Where can I find help?" If you are seeking out bulimia help, we encourage you to seek professional help from your family doctor or a counselor. In addition to professional help, it is wise to begin healing emotionally by understanding the root causes of bulimia.

Recognizing the cause for Bulimia is a large step in healing. It is considered to be an eating disorder that begins with one's dissatisfaction of their weight and appearance. Our human psychological perception is not usually the way we truly are.

Bulimics commonly have low self-esteem, may be depressed, and fear getting or being overweight. Their "remedies" are mentally, physically, and emotionally destructive and can result in death. Those suffering from Bulimia have become obsessed with their bodies and it takes priority over their health, families, and all else in their lives. As with any addict, it is an obsession (the sufferer will often deny) that has become their idol.

What we all must understand is that our bodies do not belong to us. They are not ours to destroy. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" And in chapter 6:19-20 we're told: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

We are each loved by and individually important to God. He created us, He offered His son so we can have forgiveness, and He has given us stewardship over our bodies. Our ultimate help in healing is to turn to our loving Creator. By an act of our own will, we are to give our bodies back to the Lord, which means we need to change our ways of thinking. Our concept of our bodies is not the way God sees us. He sees you as His wonderfully made child (Psalm 139:13-14)!

God tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," And "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

This means through God's ways and abilities, He will help us to see ourselves the ways He sees us. We can begin to heal through prayer and reading His Word to know what He says and can do for us. Allow God to heal your thinking, your health, your body, and your spirit. Take advantage of the support of your loved ones and professionals whom the Lord has placed in your life. He loves you, wants you to be healed, and to come to Him for the miraculous healing He offers you.