Good Mood Food?

Arby's.
What the crap?

Why do we insist on mixing feelings with food? Our obsession with finding anything to “make it better” has led us into a miserable and unhappy existence. People come into my office daily - spouting “food is my ‘coping mechanism’” and “I’ve been a ‘carb addict’ since I was very young’” or, ooh, this one’s good, “food is my only friend” or whatever else you heard on Oprah. For real?! Sounds like an addiction to me. Same. Old. Story.

We’ve used any means necessary, since the beginning of time, to put us in “good moods.” We date losers, drink too much liquor, sleep around, buy new toys we can’t afford, get surgical modifications, consult “inspirational speakers” and “life coaches,” spend money on ridiculous de-toxes/cleanses/supplements/juices made from berries we can’t pronounce correctly – or spell half the time – and we eat, and eat, and eat…all to make our lives a little better. To find that “good mood” and comfort we’ve searched for since BIRTH! Have you found it yet? Well… have you?! Pretty sure it’s not in your burger…pretty sure.

Pretty sure Jesus was in a good mood at some point in His life, and seeing as He was sinless and blameless – PERFECTION – I’m thinking no where in the Bible do we read Jesus asking the Father for another glass of wine or Flodni, so the sin would go away and people would “just like Him.” In fact, I’m pretty sure the night Jesus would be TORTURED, knowing full well His death on the cross was coming, He PRAYED. He prayed until He cried blood.

Depression doesn’t magically go away, eating disorders rarely absolve, but you find ways to give and re-give it to God, sometimes daily. Because even though we’re “dealt a bad hand” we don’t have a right to be drunk, perverted, fat, mean or living in any other sin because of it. Did you ever think that perhaps the Holy Spirit could help you with your obsession with food, just like any other sin in your life? Did you ever think fueling your body with healthy food was just another commandment from Christ? Our body is only a “temple” when we’re getting tattoos apparently, says the fat Baptist. Pretty sure God never addresses ink, pretty sure he makes mention of a little thing called Gluttony.

Like sex and wine, food was given by God to be enjoyed. He also gave us rules by which to enjoy them, somehow we seem to always miss that part. “Good moods” can be nurtured with a diet of MODERATION and VARIETY – Fish, dairy, cocoa, wine, dark colored fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, caffeine… not all inclusive necessarily, but all in moderation. A healthy diet is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (including polyphenols) and phytonutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats. All combined with sufficient sleep, a healthy prayer life and, well, sex with your spouse. Yup, I went there. You know this stuff. Quit looking for joy in your burger and start praying – its bigger than YOU, its bigger than FOOD, its never bigger than Him.