Weight is more than physical. The weight we carry emotionally and spiritually can be a true burden. Here’s how I’ve learned to lose the weight that has been burdening me for so long.
When I lost the weight of unmet expectations, I gained the knowledge that I am enough.
When I lost the need for others’ approval, I gained the satisfaction of knowing others’ approval was not necessary for me to succeed in life.
When I lost the weight of comparing myself to others, I gained the security of knowing we are all uniquely beautiful with immeasurable gifts to share with the world. Comparison only hinders the beauty of creative flow and keeps us prisoners, unable to find our own unique spiritual gifts.
When I lost the weight of fitting in, I gained the freedom and enriched character that comes from standing out. My unique personality and way of expression has become the crown of beauty I wear proudly wear daily.
When I lost the weight of desiring more, I gained the comfort and appreciation of feeling grateful for what I have. I found the more gratitude I felt, the more blessings rained down from heaven above.
When I lost the weight of trying to please everyone, I realized pleasing myself was the most direct route to self-love and innermost security.
When I lost the weighted mindset, ‘I could never do that….’, I gained the inner belief “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
When I lost the feeling of insecurity bred from jealousy, I gained the insight that true love is free, trusting and secure. The 1 Corinthians 13 type of love is what I crave these days. It suffices my soul in ways I never dreamed possible. I see love in a whole new and glorious light. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
When I lost the excruciating weight of fear, I gained the certainty of peace coupled with the assurance of well-being that comes from knowing my Heavenly Father will always take care of me. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)
When I lost the weight of intrinsically picking apart my every little flaw, I gained the truth that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:15 (NIV)
When I lost the weight of seeing others as my competition, I gained the truth that we are all on the same team. I therefore enriched my relationships, cheering for others’ victories and feeling empathy when they faced bitter defeat. While others’ did not always offer the same toward me, those that did proved their true affection and lasting friendship.
When I lost the weight of ‘keeping up with others’, I gained the security of running my own race. I began to take better care of my physical and emotional health. Before I knew it, it did not matter who achieved more, I was focused solely on my own steady stream of wins.
When I lost the weight of failing to say No, I gained the truth that caring for myself must come first so I can adequately care for others.
When I lost the weight of who I used to be, I gained the strength, pride and dignity of the woman I have become.
When I lost the weight of censorship, I gained the desire to build up and not tear down. Coupled with the empathetic wisdom to know the difference.
When I lost the fear of losing my freedom, I gained the insight that the truest form of freedom comes from love in Christ Jesus. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
When I lost the weight of anxiety, depression and other emotional disorders, I gained the feeling of security and competence that comes only from my Heavenly Father. “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, because 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”. Matthew 11:28-30
So much weight goes into our perceptions of how others see us. When we choose to keep a somewhat tunnel vision focus on doing our best, being our best and loving our best, life takes on a new and simplistic flow, allowing enjoyment, enlightenment and blessings to permeate our existence. I feel way less hindered and able to focus on my specific work on this earth when I seek wisdom from above and pay less attention to the sometimes negative murmurings from below. I hope others’ find welcome relief, hope and encouragement in these Bible verses and simple ways to shed that unwanted weight of today’s very vocal voices all screaming for attention at once. The trick lies in knowing which voices to pay attention to.
