Dealing With A Negative Self Image

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I find that most women, myself included, struggle with negative thoughts about their bodies, their abilities, and their imperfections.  I started working out and changing my eating habits because of just such thoughts.  However, at some point I realized that a shift in focus needed to happen in order for this lifestyle to remain beneficial.  What good does it do to take care of the outside if on the inside you are still unhealthy? 

Psalm 139:14 (New International Version)

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

The cure for negative self image is Jesus Christ and His word about who I am.  When I focus on what He did for me and what the Bible says about my worth to Him, I regain a healthy view of my body and my life. 

So, is that to say that God doesn't care if I work out or eat right?  No.  I believe that taking care of my body is good stewardship and a refusal to be mastered by food, idleness, and sloth. 

1 Corinthians 9:27-28 says:
"I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. "  (The Message)

I know this verse is about spiritual fitness, but I am a human being, and until I am released from this body, my spirit will be affected by it.  So, fitness for both, I say.  I say the verse above to myself all the time, and it motivates me.  My brother-in-law, David, also says that it is good for us to deny ourselves what we want sometimes because it exercises our ability to govern our impulses.  Want control over yourself, physically and mentally?  Deny yourself.  Deny the desire to skip workouts, sleep in, eat extra desserts, and generally be idle.  Be the exception. 

I think the words of the song below say it better than I can.  So, download the song, jump on the treadmill and sing your heart out.  Though I try to stick to lip-syncing if I am at the gym!

Everything Glorious by David Crowder Band

The day is brighter here with You
The night is lighter than its hue
Would lead me to believe
Which leads me to believe

(chorus)
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?

My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours...

And if that doesn't work, imagine that something is chasing you.  That should help.