Avoiding That Which Hinders

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (King James Version)

There are times when doing things that are good in and of themselves is not necessarily good for us. If those things get in the way of, hinder, or slow down our journey to a desired end, then it is best to avoid doing them. Those are the things we definitely do not want over powering us, controlling us, or mastering us.

Food in and of itself is a good thing. God has graciously given us a variety of things with which to nourish our bodies. Yet even though all foods are allowable for me, there are some foods I choose not to eat at certain times or at all times. Why? I know they will trigger an eating binge for me. To eat them awakens in me a desire to over indulge for long periods of time. They are my red light or trigger foods and avoiding them for the most part is necessary for me. It’s a healthy choice I have come to make and it is the best choice for me.

I am finding, that just as there are certain foods I should stay away from, there is certain behavior I should also say “no” to. There are some things that are not bad in and of themselves, yet I know that if I act upon the desire to do them they will trigger emotional responses in me that are not good. My journey to freedom, walk of victory, and life of wholeness will be hindered and blocked big time!

I am learning that in the times when I am out of sorts I must discern what brought on the thoughts, feelings, and mood. One such time was last night and I had no trouble knowing the moment the emotions were triggered and the spiraling downward began. For now, I struggle in those times and hence they last far longer than they should. So for the present, while I am able to choose, I must resist an action that will get it started. Is it an action that will forever be forbidden? No. It is simply a necessity for the time being. Until I am able to handle the emotions in the right way, it is imperative that I avoid that which stirs those emotions. Within time, avoidance will be replace by moderation and moderation will eventually be replaced by the freedom to act.

Father, it is hard but so necessary to resist the things that are enjoyable but dangerous for me. Give me the wisdom to know when an end result will be opposite of what both You and I desire. Renew me, refresh me, and restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

Spirit Song - Maranatha Singers (Evie)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqkvIhs7Ijg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.