Inspirational Bible Verses

Inspirational Bible Verses


The most discouraging part of life is being my own worst enemy.
I can been angry at an outside offender and avoid the people I like the least. But I can't get away from me! Every night I go to bed declaring, "I will do better tomorrow!" Every morning I awake still mired in the same muck that harassed me yesterday.

In my recovery from an eating disorder, every night I swore that the next day I would eat right, moderate my exercise, and be honest with my therapist. Then, like an alcoholic lured by the neighborhood bar or the liquor cabinet still in his den - I rose each new day and fell instantly into old, comfortable habits.

These verses may not seem encouraging on the face, but they teach me that God is for me, even when I am not.
"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling...Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah 30:15,18

My personal battle was with anorexia and compulsive exercise. The ability to force my body to perform, to burn every last calorie, to earn every morsel of food, seemed of utmost importance. When counselors and loved ones began to warn me of the consequences of my actions and to restrict my activity, I needed some promise that I wasn't losing the single most valuable thing in my life.

"Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." I Timothy 4:7b-10

In these verses God promised me that the most important way to invest my time and the activity that would benefit me the most was to discipline my mind to study His word. That gave me another focus, a different kind of exercise which promised me great gain.

The idea of suffering is never appealing. But the fact is, suffering comes to all people. It is of great comfort to know that there is a purpose behind the pain.

"And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you." I Peter 5:10

The greatest pain I ever experienced came in the form of betrayal by a very important person in my life. For days my body and soul felt like black holes. I was caving in on myself, soon to evaporate completely. I was furious that life went on. How dare it in some situations! Through I Peter 5:10, God reminded me that He has a sovereign purpose. I emerged on the other side of betrayal stronger, more confident and the relationship was restored.

Perhaps the most comforting verse in the Bible is II Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." God assures me that His word is applicable and sufficient for all situations - even the most painful ones.


Posted on Yahoo Voices May 2011

The Cause and Effect Relationship Between Depression and Eating Disorders

The Cause and Effect Relationship Between Depression and Eating Disorders

Depression is both cause and effect. It is this dichotomy that makes it so personal, hard to diagnose and deadly. Depression creates a vicious circle, spiraling its victim lower and lower. I should know.

My dance with this elusive enemy began at age fourteen. Until that fateful year, I was happy-go-lucky, spontaneous, talkative, intelligent and healthy, the product of a "perfect" family. To the casual observer, I had no reason to experience depression.

Contrary to popular opinion, a "perfect" environment often breeds depression. I felt an unspoken pressure to deserve my perfect world. I wanted please my generous parents - make good grades, excel in sports and help at home. As the oldest of four girls, I longed to be a good role model, an exceptional, mature little woman. Among my peers, I wanted to be pretty, as a perfect girl should be; I wanted boys to like me.

I never believed I was good enough. I was always at least second best, which in a competitive society is the first loser. Depression was the effect of my perceived failure and became the cause of an eating disorder.

"Failure. You are so average and replaceable. When you're gone, you'll never be missed. People like you are a dime-a-dozen. Why don't you at least do something extreme, something no one else will do. You can eat the least, run the farthest, be the thinnest. At least you'll be exceptional at something!"

Mantras like this marched through my head every night. Tallies of calories consumed and rattled through my thoughts every waking hour. My mind became less and less my own.

The feeling was bittersweet. There was a high from achieving what I had set out to do: be the best at something. But I had a sense of ever deepening depression; my family and friends rallied around me not with praise but with concern and frustration. As my mind sank in starvation, I grew more and more hopeless.

For myself and I believe many others, depression must be treated as what it is: both a cause and an effect. At wits' end, my parents enrolled me in an inpatient program for eating disorders. I received counseling for my anorexic behaviors and for my depression, as well as medication for a chemical imbalance.

Slowly, and often, against my will, I began to gain weight. Treating that symptom, allowed my mind to grasp the truths that the counselors were teaching me. Joy grew in proportion to my physical health.

However, simply treating the outcome of my depression (anorexia) wasn't enough. Twice, I left the program too early and slipped quickly back into old thoughts and habits. When I finally continued receiving counseling past the minimum of physical health, I addressed the issues of perfectionism, compulsion and fear that had fueled my depression and subsequent anorexia.

Today, I am almost surprised every morning when I wake up with enthusiasm and expectation for the day. I look in the mirror with a humble satisfaction in my body.

There are many disciplines which help me maintain my recovery. I read the Bible daily and spend a lot of time journaling and in prayer. I walk my dog and breathe deeply in both the sunshine and the rain. I spend time with people and focus on a few close friends instead of trying to please everyone. I have found that I actually enjoy being alone. I am happy with myself, and that it's OK.

Posted on Yahoo Voices, May 25, 2012