Does it seem like the work of eating disorder recovery takes everything out of you? Are you tempted to just give up sometimes? Even when you’re weary, please try to remember that you do not have to do this alone. Through prayer, divine strength is always available to you.
Just as we read in Isaiah 58:9, He is ready to answer your call. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer you; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. Sometimes it might feel that He is far away, but in reality, He is close at hand. Prayer can help you enter His presence.
Do your best not to let anything stop you from approaching Him. Don’t deprive yourself of His presence or His power. Remember this key truth in Ephesians 3:12, In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Keep the communication lines with Him open. Regardless of how you feel about things, whether you’re battling guilt, shame or feelings of unworthiness, remember that none of these things need keep you from going to God in prayer. Just go to Him as you are.
Temptations to engage in eating disorder behaviors seem to come often some days. You may not always feel prepared to handle them. Why not look to God’s Word for help? Mark 14:38 says, Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Why not consider starting your day with prayer and facing potential triggers in prayer? You do not have to do this alone.
If you aren’t sure what to say, simply talk about whatever is on your mind, whatever it is that you feel, whatever it is that you want for your recovery. If the words still won’t come, don’t despair. Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Holy Spirit will pray on our behalf. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our heart knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with his will. You can always rely on the Holy Spirit’s prayers!
Eating disorder recovery takes a lot out of a person. Some days the battle seems constant. To this end, I think 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says it best, Pray continually.