Perfect Planning

by Beth Ann Ziarnik @bethannziarnik

Perfect Planning? I know, I know. Back in Diet No More STEP ONE I said the solution to overeating is not ‘the perfect diet.'” After all, in this imperfect world filled with imperfect people, no such thing as a “perfect diet” exists. Which is why I’m on this pathway with the Lord to freedom from overeating and the peace of heart that goes with it.

So what’s all this about “perfect planning”? We may not be perfect. I certainly know I’m not perfect. But we have one comfort. We do know One who is perfect. One who can guide us with his perfect wisdom if we’re willing.

I’m so blessed with today’s encouragement from God’s Word as I continue learning to practice Diet No More STEP THREE, and I hope you will be, too. Are you ready? I surely am! So here goes …

Trust in the Lord

His Plan—Not Mine This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! ~ Isaiah 55:8, TLB.

It’s true. I never would’ve thought of this plan for eating that God has put on my heart. And I soon discovered that his thoughts about what to eat didn’t quite match the ideas of”diet” experts. God’s plan was more about trusting him. He wasn’t afraid of white bread or sugary desserts or any of the other things those experts insisted would ruin my health. It seemed to the Lord, the important thing was trust and obey. Trust and obey God.

Lord, thank you for your plan and your perfect thoughts as I journey out of overeating and into trusting you, into obeying you. When you puts white bread or desserts on the menu, I will eat in peace and not be afraid. For your perfect planning for your children is good, and I am blessed as long as I obey you.

All I Need  And don’t worry about food … what to eat … Your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern ~ Luke 12:29-31, NLT.

Thank you, Lord, that I no longer need to worry about what to eat. You already know what this body I live in needs. Each day you give it just what it needs as long as I focus on following your leading and make your kingdom my first concern.

Interesting Details

At the Proper Time [I] look to you [God] to give [me] food at the proper time. Psalm 104:22, TLB.

Thank you, Lord, that even a detail as small as when I should eat is on your mind. Thank you for showing me the proper time for each meal.

Trusting the Lord It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men. ~ Psalm 118:8, TLB.

Well, that says it all, Lord, doesn’t it? Right here in your Word you say it’s better if I entrust myself to you rather than rely on man’s plans. They do their best but only you are perfect in every way.

Expect & Listen

Applying Your Heart Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. ~ Proverbs 23:12, NLT.

Lord, thank you for instructing me in my heart regarding eating for your honor. Thank you for your continued grace as I look to you for instruction, and keep my ears tuned to the knowledge you give as you lead me into God-honoring eating. Thank you for the gift of your perfect planning.

God’s Gracious Help He will be gracious if you ask for help … Your own ears will will hear him … “This is the way you should go” …  Then you will destroy all your [food]idols … You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!” ~ Isaiah 30:19-22, NLT.

Can you imagine? I never thought food could be an idol, but then I discovered that anything we consistently turn to meet our emotional needs or give preference to over our love for God can turn into an idol, even an unseen idol in our hearts.

Yet, God you are still gracious. Here you promise that when I ask for help and listen, I will hear you tell me which way to go in order to destroy this food idol. I choose to destroy it, Lord! To throw it out like a filthy rag, glad to get rid of it. Thank you for your gracious and loving help.

His Daily Guidance

*God’s Daily Guidance Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Lord has spoken to me and I have listened, I do not rebel nor turn away [as he instructs me in my eating]. ~ Isaiah 50:4-5, The Book, NLT.

Imagine the wonder of it! Each morning the Lord awakens us and opens our understanding. Of course, it’s my job to listen and then not refuse his instruction about my eating. Thank you so much, gracious Lord, for your daily guidance.

Keep on Expecting I will keep on expecting you to help me. I will praise you more and more. ~ Psalm 71:14, TLB.

Yes, Lord! I will keep expecting you to help me eat within you holy will and praise you for enabling me to stay on this God-honoring path. All glory, honor, and praise to you, our prefect God!

WHAT NEXT

Wow! Weren’t those Scriptures related to Diet No More STEP THREE enormously encouraging? God is so good and his Word such a treasure. Next week I will share more Scriptures the Lord has shown me for strengthening on this trust-and-obey part of the journey. Again I say, you won’t want t miss them. See you next week!

HEARING FROM YOU: Oh, and if you have any questions or comments, you can leave them below,  or use the email form on this website, and I’ll get back to you. Have a great week!

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