Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This passage holds a special place in my heart. The imagery is vivid, as I picture myself connected with Jesus with an old-fashioned yoke (usually used for oxen). We’re side-by-side, pulling the load of my life – my burdens, responsibilities, relationships, goals. He is doing most of the work, and I’m there beside Him experiencing life’s ups and downs, but it’s surprisingly peaceful. As we walk, He is always there to teach me, answer my questions, and provide me the encouragement and hope I need for each moment. When I’m there yoked with Him, I feel strong, able, and confident. Honestly, the most difficult thing about staying yoked with Jesus is not getting over-confident in myself, thinking that I could succeed in life without His help.
This comes to mind sometimes as I work with clients who are struggling with eating disordered (ED) thinking. The lure of a thinner body traps her (or him) into a different yoke, one shared with the ED. The yoke holds tightly, not easily permitting escape. The ED speaks unkindly about what might happen if the yoke is abandoned, using fear to trap its’ victim. When walking through each day yoked with the ED, it leads her to destructive behaviors and thought patterns, believing that the ED is saving her from a life of poor health and an unsightly body.
To break free from this ED yoke, it requires disobedience to its’ leading. Once you realize that the ED is lying, and truly isn’t making your life beautiful, you can begin to do the opposite of what it demands. When doing this, it is helpful to cry out to Jesus to come near. (Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8) Use the imagery of grabbing onto and ducking into His yoke, and begin listening to Him. (The Words of the Bible are Truth, and useful to hear Him instruct you.) When doing this, disobeying the ED becomes possible, although it is definitely uncomfortable at first. Walking with Jesus is restful and allows for a deeper purpose in life – far beyond a perfect body. As we live yoked with Him, we trust Him for daily guidance, and know that He is in charge of the outcome in all areas of life.
If you are struggling with ED thoughts or behaviors, it is helpful to seek assistance from a Christian eating disorder professional. Visit www.CEDCN.org to find listings of treatment centers, support groups, dietitians, therapists, and doctors in your area.