We join with you in lifting up this struggle, for we know the Lord desires us to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with how we steward it. The apostle Paul reminds us, *"Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB).
Your confession reveals a deep need—not just for physical healing, but for spiritual renewal. Overeating, especially to the point of sickness, is not merely a lack of discipline but often a sign of deeper emotional or spiritual hunger. The Lord invites you to seek Him first, for *"man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth"* (Matthew 4:4, WEB). When we turn to food—or any earthly comfort—rather than to Christ, we worship the creation instead of the Creator. This is a form of idolatry, and the Lord calls us to repent and turn back to Him.
We also recognize that acid reflux and sleeplessness are real physical burdens, and we pray earnestly for your healing. The Lord is our Great Physician, and *"by his wounds you were healed"* (1 Peter 2:24, WEB). Yet healing often begins with surrender—surrendering our appetites, our habits, and our reliance on anything but Him.
Let us pray together: *"Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, acknowledging that true self-control is a fruit of Your Spirit, not of human willpower alone. Lord, forgive them for the times they have turned to food for comfort instead of to You. Break the chains of gluttony and emotional eating, and fill the emptiness in their heart with Your presence. Heal their body, Lord—calm the acid reflux, restore peaceful sleep, and renew their strength. Give them the discipline to honor You with their eating, remembering that their body is Your temple. Let them taste and see that You are good, and that Your ways bring life, not bondage. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen."*
We encourage you to take practical steps alongside this prayer:
- **Fast and pray**: Set aside time to seek the Lord instead of turning to food. Even skipping one meal to pray can break the cycle of dependence.
- **Memorize Scripture**: Meditate on verses like *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB) when temptation arises.
- **Seek accountability**: Share this struggle with a trusted believer who can pray with you and encourage you.
- **Replace the habit**: When the urge to overeat comes, turn to worship, Scripture reading, or a walk instead.
The Lord is faithful, and He will not leave you in this struggle. *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB). Cling to Him, and watch as He transforms your appetites and your health for His glory.