Is there help for eating disorders?

“I attend a Baptist Church. I’m a girl suffering from Bulimia Nervosa. Only a few people in my church family know, but I am not getting anything from them. Sometimes I feel they don’t care.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve been looking on-line for hours trying to find info on eating disorders, but have come up empty handed. Please help.”

Girl crying. Photo copyrighted. Licensed.

Be assured that we and many other Christians do care about all who suffer from eating disorders. This serious problem afflicts more than 1 out of 10 women at some time in their lives. Twice as many teens suffer from it. Although it is most well known among females, there are millions of males that also having eating disorders.

Eating disorders can be extremely distressing, very unhealthy and even deadly. They often involve complex problems such as strong emotions, fear, guilt, shame, poor self-image, excessive perfectionism, faulty reasoning, medical problems, and unresolved spiritual issues. If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, we strongly urge you to seek professional help. Below, are useful links for finding assistance, hope and education on this important topic.

If you are a Christian, you need to understand that bulimia, anorexia and binge eating are all forms of self-abuse. This violates God’s will.

What does the Bible have to say?

“…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV).

“…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” —Romans 12:1 NKJV

Jesus Christ understands your pain. He grieves for you and longs to heal you.

“…we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses…” —Hebrews 4:15 NKJV

“He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds” —Psalm 147:3 NKJV

He wants to turn your pain and suffering into joy and peace, and your fear and weakness into courage and strength in Him.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! …Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…” —Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” —Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times… Pour out your heart before Him…” —Psalm 62:5-8 NKJV

Author: Paul S. Taylor, Christian Answers.

Helpful off-site links

Girl with mirror. Photo copyrighted. Licensed: H

Christian articles

What you need to know about this prevalent problem (Today’s Christian Woman)
You can Correct and Prevent Eating Disorders by Training Your Heart to Feed Yourself with God! —Barry Hall

Christian professional treatment

Meadows Ranch (Arizona)
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services (Michigan)
Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery (Oklahoma)

Secular, medical articles and associations

Secular professional treatment

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