Free from this stronghold

“O, Lord, like David, help me to rejoice in Your strength and say of You, “How great is my joy in the victories You give!” Father, please grant me the desires of my heart to be free from this stronghold and do not withhold the request of my lips.” Psalms 21:1-2

Verse Reflections:  God’s strength is our answer.  David learned that His weaknesses could only be overcome with God.  Likewise, we need to rejoice in His strength.  We will never have enough strength to overcome this stronghold food has on us.  Yet, we can claim joy in the victory God can give us.  Our heart desires to be freed from this struggle we have battled for years.   It is fascinating that the author of this verse gets that we still have to beg God to grant us the desire of our heart to be released from the stronghold.  We cannot name it and claim it without Him.  We have to have His strength.  No matter how much our heart wants to overcome this battle, we cannot without the power of God.  For years I have tried to conquer the temptations, the power food has over me and I am powerless.  Today, we must stop and request God’s power.  Our lips must utter a prayer to Him, ask for and rejoice in the victory that He gives.  Remind yourself today that God will give us victory.  There is no doubt that if we stop and ask, we will receive.  Wake up with joy.  Know that You have the power on your side if you just ask for it.  Today we will rejoice in God’s strength.  Claim Your victory.  Eat God foods and feel joy.  You and God can do this.

Prayer:  Father, please grant me the desires of my heart to be free from this stronghold and do not withhold the request of my lips.  This verse says it all.  My heart desires to be free from this stronghold and yet so often I yield to its power.  Today I beg You not to withhold the request of my lips.  Please, rise above me, rise above my weakness.  I have this rebel inside of me that wants to yield to the stronghold.  I want the foods I should not have.  I want to indulge to the point of insane elation and misery.  Today I want the joy in the victories You give.  I need You to give to me the gift that sometimes I do not want to receive.  My heart begs to be released.  My mind rebels.  My heart realizes the destruction of this stronghold food has on me.  My mind does not care and instead wants immediate gratification.  Please, please Lord listen to my heart.  Free me from the stronghold that food has on me, on my mind.  Give the joy of the victory You give today.  Thank You for giving me beautiful, wonderful foods that are delicious.  Change my mind to match my heart so that my health is restored.  Today, we will claim victory and eat Your foods.