Let Him

My mind had reached its breaking point. I was out driving late one evening, ruminating about whether I should pick up some fruit at the grocery store. This simple dilemma had turned out quite complicated—and I could trace it all the way back to my childhood. 

I had carried around a distorted self-image since I was 9 and begun dieting at the age of 13. In my early 20s, paleolithic and ketogenic lifestyles were all the rage. They promoted protein and healthy fats. But fruit, save for berries, must be limited. What had started out as a desire to eat healthier became an obsession to eat as clean as possible—a disorder known as orthorexia. I grew to fear fruit even though I loved it. What about inflammation? Grapes and pineapples are high on the glycemic index. Does the label say it’s organic? I had done all the research, and the issue was still unsettled. My mind was playing an endless game of tug-of-war.

I then glanced at the license plate in front of me and saw my answer written there: God’s Fruit. Of course! God created fruit. The Garden of Eden was full of it. I didn’t drive past the grocery store that night. Instead, I walked right in and plucked the choicest selection of produce they had. Today, I happily enjoy apple slices dipped in peanut butter, a peeled orange with snack cheese, and bananas in my oatmeal. 

To say the least, mental illness can be destructive, especially when we create our own chaos. I had turned my body into an idol and gotten myself into a bit of a tizzy. Yet, the most beautiful part of my story is this: God can break through our deepest anxieties. 

That’s what I love about the verse for today. Jesus was teaching to a crowd of people through parables. In Matthew 13:14-15, he refers to the prophecy of Isaiah:

“When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.”

Jesus is saying, “Let Me.” Rather than trying to fix ourselves, let’s allow our Lord to swoop in and carry us back to sanity.

Although our answered prayers may not be a literal sign from God, we can still trust that we are forever in His loving care. Because even after Jesus died upon the cross—He never stops saving us. For those who are struggling inwardly, be encouraged that God can truly heal. Will you let Him?

Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, we cast all our cares upon You, our Great Physician. When our minds grow dark, draw us to Your light and help us to simply rest in Your healing power. Thank You for saving us—not just from our sins but from ourselves. In Your mighty name, amen.

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.