By Jade Whitehurst
As someone who has struggled with starvation diets, body dysmorphia, and a bad relationship with food, I have had to learn that my identity was never meant to lie within the number on the scale, my dress size, or even my appearance. Though a part of me, these things do not define me. Running after “perfection” only left me feeding a never-ending cycle ending in more shame and disgust. God didn’t have my goals; the world did.
However, I am not saying a healthy lifestyle doesn’t matter. Our choices either honor or dishonor God. So what makes the difference? Holy Spirit discernment and conviction. Two people can be eating cake and only one of them is sinning. One person is using the cake to fill them with the comfort, pleasure, and joy they should seek in God, while the other person is simply eating cake.
Our fitness goals should not be the source of our joy and gratitude but the result of gratitude for the body God gave us. I make healthy choices because I have God’s love, not in order to earn it.
Praying for conviction is a powerful way to invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas in our life that need to be realigned with God’s will. Here are some tips for doing this on your health and fitness journey, along with scripture to meditate on.
1. Approach with humility and a willing heart.
Start by acknowledging that you need God’s guidance and correction. Be open to hearing His truth. Scripture: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24.
2. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help.
Ask the Holy Spirit to do what only He can: Bring clarity, conviction, correction, and change of heart. Scripture: “When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement.” – John 16:8.
3. Pray with the Word open.
As you read scripture, ask God to speak through it and convict your heart wherever needed, and that you would be eager and receptive to it. Scripture: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword … It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12.
4. Confess and repent honestly.
When conviction comes, respond with honest confession and repentance; God is always ready to forgive and restore. Scripture: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.
5. Ask for strength to obey.
Ask God to help you live out the transformation He’s calling you to! Scripture: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me.” – Psalm 51:10.
My prayer is that you learn to find joy in loving your body well, not because of who you are not, but because of Whose you are. It is from God’s love that we love even our own reflection.
Jade Whitehurst is a wife, mom, and fitness coach. You can follow her on Instagram @jadewhitehurst_thefaithfitmom.