The Weight of Overindulgence
Let’s be real—we all do this. And the ones who don’t? They probably have it figured out but struggle in a different area.
This time of year, I always seem to carry a heavy heart. And if I’m honest, it’s because of my own choices and it’s not just this time of year. It’s all year, at different times. Why do I do things I know are wrong, only to sit later in shame and guilt during my quiet time?
Scripture reminds me of this struggle:
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7:15)
Instead of dealing with that conviction, I often mask the shame by numbing my mind with to-do lists and endless phone scrolling. But right before sleep, when everything finally goes quiet, I’m forced to sit with my own thoughts. And in those moments, I feel deeply saddened by how I’ve been overeating—indulging in foods I know I shouldn’t.
I truly believe God delights in us enjoying a treat here and there. But we were never meant to live on a steady diet of food that tastes delicious but leaves our bodies feeling terrible—yummy to the taste buds, but rough on the tummy.
Food, like anything else, can begin to have a hold on us. And when that happens, it becomes an idol.
An idol is anything we place above God. Examples of other Idols could be self and pride, money, people or even creation. Anything we might place above the creator. If it lords over your life, then it is considered an idol.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
So the question I’ve had to ask myself is this: Am I really putting food above God? Has junk food—especially sweets—become an idol in my life?
If I’m answering honestly, the answer is yes. And that’s painful to admit.
I can tell because I keep doing what my soul is telling me not to do. Once I get a taste of candy, baked goods, or anything sweet, I go buck wild—seeking it out for the rest of the day. And honestly, if it’s not a Monday, I often go buck wild until Sunday night. The shame and guilt build and build, and instead of stopping, I push it out of my head so I can keep indulging… until I’ve finally had enough.
It wrecks me.
I’m not well emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually.
Emotionally: My hormones are all over the place—there’s no balance at all.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
Additional note: Excess sugar can contribute to mood swings and energy crashes, which only intensify emotional instability.
Mentally: My brain feels foggy. I don’t think as clearly as I do when I cut out the junk.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Additional note: Highly processed foods can impair focus and concentration, making it harder to stay mentally sharp.
Physically: My body feels bloated. My tummy feels yucky. My teeth are more sensitive.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
Additional note: What we consume directly impacts digestion, inflammation, and overall physical health.
Spiritually: I’m not as in tune with the Holy Spirit as I should be, because I’m putting food first.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Additional note: When anything takes priority over obedience, it dulls our spiritual sensitivity.
That’s the bottom line. God gently tells me, “Stop eating like that—you know better.” And yet, I still continue.
At the start of this new year, I want to proclaim this truth: God knows best.
We all struggle in one way or another. And the truth is, the enemy has been using this same tactic to destroy lives since the beginning of time—and he’s using it aggressively today. Food that’s packaged, processed, and loaded with sugar. Easy. Convenient. Tasty.
The enemy still convinces us that we know best. Eat what we want because it makes us happy. Eat what we want because we can. He makes it feel like power, comfort, and control.
But real freedom comes from surrender.
I’m praying with all my heart that one day this will no longer be my struggle. Until then, I’m also praying that I will keep turning to God in the middle of my failure—accepting the grace He freely offers as I continue to grow in Him and with Him.
Sometimes, if I’m being really honest, I wrestle with the thought that I might be taking advantage of God’s grace—because I keep getting stuck in the same place.
But here’s what I want to leave you with: God knows our hearts. He knows whether I’m abusing His grace or whether I’m desperately in need of it. And the truth is, His grace was never meant to excuse sin—it was meant to meet us in our weakness and lead us toward freedom.
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8)
He loves me—He loves us—so deeply that He never leaves us where we are. He is always there for us and always with us.
Jesus has saved me and renewed me in so many areas of my life, and I trust that He is faithfully working in this area too.
Reflection Questions
In what ways might food—or something else—be competing for God’s place in my life?
What patterns reveal that I’m acting against what my soul already knows is right?
How can I practically turn to God in moments of temptation instead of numbing or indulging?
Prayer
Dear God,
You know best. You know my heart. You know the hearts of all. Lord, I come to you today knowing that your word is a love letter to us, giving us the secret to life in abundance. The obstacle is we live in a place where all things come in abundance. Even the things that hurt us and so God we stand before you proclaiming your goodness is the only way. We live like kings, but you are the only true king. The reason you sent boundaries before us is for our good. And I am beyond grateful. Lord help me to obey your word because my heart desires and declares your goodness in all that I do. Even in my eating. And I pray that this blog can help someone in their spiritual journey to becoming well. More like you Jesus!
Amen!
