Speak words of life

I have been struggling with my eating in recent months. I was up 4 pounds when I went to the doctor (from approximately 3 months prior). I believe I'm up another 6 or more since then. I have been indulging in desserts way too often. I've been eating bread and other carbs in excess. I haven't been eating enough veggies. The problem is not that I don't know how to eat properly. The problem is that I've been making wrong choices. Why? I have been at this point so many times. I've gotten a good start and lost some weight. But I'm struggling and beginning to go in the wrong direction. Being able to return to the right choices and stop the climbing weight is essential if I'm to be successful in losing my unhealthy excess weight.

I am not certain where or why I got off track. I am certain that I have to get back into control. One thing that is good is that this has to be a life long process - and when I get control and turn it back around, it will be a good example for the many times to come when I will have to do the same thing. It is not realistic to think that I will always eat 100% healthy and never induldge in desserts. I have to find balance and moderation. I have to be able to make mistakes and continue on without giving up in disgust and despair.

In recent episodes of Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everday Life, the teaching has been on the power of words and speaking life rather than death...confessing scripture and God's promises for blessing in our life. I am going to make a real effort to begin doing that about areas of need in my life - including a healthy body. I am going to stop the negative talk ("I'll never lose this weight...") and I am going to begin telling myself:

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I am treating it with respect. I am making good food choices and developing exercise habits that will restore my health and vitality. I am learning moderation and self control through Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am the righteousness of God in Christ. There is therefore now no condemnation for me because I am in Christ. I am living an abundant life in Christ. I have everthing I need. God is my strength, not food. The word of God is the most important food for my life.

John 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Pr0verbs 13:2-4 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 4:
1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.