Life Plan Devotion #22 [Escape]

There is a saying, "You can run, but you can't hide." That is true, especially when it comes to trying to escape the pain of tough reality. Where do you go, what do you do, when you feel the need to escape, to avoid facing an issue in your life, or desire to find momentary relief from pressure? Be willing to face the truth, and your life just may change forever this very day, for the better.
Think of the last time you recognize that you were trying to escape or avoid facing a pressure, emotion, issue, or problem. Now, trace your footsteps. Where did you go? What did you do? Perhaps you went to the refrigerator or cupboard, the mall, the liquor store. Maybe you smoked cigarettes, popped pills, watched television, viewed pornography, or had an affair. What dangerous game did you play with your destiny, all in an attempt to escape from the pain of your past or present?
Trying to escape your emotions that well up, due to the pain of your past or present, is an exercise in futility, at best. Your emotions are God-given and are there to help you to heal. As difficult as it will be, face whatever reality is attached to your past or present. Feel the emotions, and honor them by giving them appropriate vent. If you need help from a professional, get it. Why be miserable one day longer than necessary? Why continue to avoid your pain by trying to escape it in ways that are destructive? It doesn't work, anyway. Let God help you face, deal with properly, and heal every wounded place in your heart and life.

Job 34:32 [NIV]
"Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again."

What this has to do with weight loss: All too often, we find ourself in the kitchen, staring into the refrigerator or cupboard, as if the contents had miraculously changed since we were there last. Are we hungry? No. If there's no true hunger, then what else is going on? That's the question to ask, in those moments. Practice investigating the real reason behind graze eating, overeating, or binge eating. Whatever comes up, deal with it in a way that doesn't involve food, because food is only fuel. It cannot heal a broken heart.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, show me what, prior to today, I have not been willing to see. Help me to uncover the pain from my past or present, and teach me how to properly deal with it. My greatest desire is to allow You to heal every wounded part of me. I know You want that, too, but You've been waiting for my permission and my cooperation. Today, Lord, I commit to partnering with You, to do the 'hard thing,' whatever that may be. Whatever wrong I've done, and that includes trying to escape or avoid, I ask You to forgive me, and I pledge not to do so again, for it does not serve You (or myself) well. Thank You for the grace and help You will give me, to help me carry out my pledge. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen."

Go forth today, determined to face life with courage.