When Food Becomes a God

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

—John 8:36

DEVO

Food addiction is one of the most overlooked, misunderstood, and unaddressed struggles within the body of believers. Unlike drugs, alcohol, or pornography, gambling, etc, food is something we need to survive. But for many, food is no longer fuel—it’s a false refuge where people turn rather than turning to Jesus.

Maybe you've found yourself eating when you're not hungry. Turning to sugar, salt, processed food, or fast food in moments of stress, sadness, or boredom. You’ve tried diets, cleanses, gym memberships, shame-based commitments… but the cycle keeps repeating. That’s not a “bad habit”—that’s bondage.

Jesus didn’t come to manage your addiction—He came to destroy it.

He came to break the power of any idol that tries to sit on the throne of your life—even food. He doesn’t just want you slim, trim, and healthy. He wants you whole. He wants you free from guilt, from shame, from cravings that control your mind. He wants your body healed and your soul restored.

REAL TALK: FOOD CAN BE AN IDOL

“Their god is their belly...who set their mind on earthly things.”
—Philippians 3:19 (NKJV)

When we bow to cravings, we stop listening to the Holy Spirit. Emotional eating is basically spiritual rebellion. Food is not evil, but when it becomes our comforter, it replaces the Comforter Himself. That’s idolatry.

Remember that the enemy doesn’t care what you bow to—as long as it’s not Jesus.

THERE IS HEALING IN CHRIST

This is not about willpower. It’s about submission and surrender.

You don’t need another resolution. You need resurrection.
Jesus can heal the root—the brokenness, the trauma, the fear, the shame—that drives you to overeat.

And when He heals you, you’ll begin to eat with purpose. You’ll crave the Word more than the snack. You’ll choose what nourishes instead of what numbs. Not perfectly at first, but progressively.

TODAY'S GOAL:

Bring your food addiction into the cross and to the light.
Call it what it is. Confess it. Renounce it. Repent!
Then ask Jesus to break the chains—completely and supernaturally.

PRAYER:

Abba Father, I confess that food has become more than fuel for me—it has become a refuge. I’ve bowed to cravings instead of coming to You. I’ve hidden my addiction because it seemed less serious than others. But I see now that it is sin, and I repent. I need You to heal my body and restore my soul. Help me break free from the lies that keep me in this cycle. Be my portion, be my strength, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit instead. Give me wisdom, understanding, and discernment to overflowing. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING:

1. When do I tend to overeat or eat emotionally?

2. What specific emotions trigger my overeating and eating unhealthy?

3. Why have I been so afraid to bring my food addiction before God?

4. How do I know that Jesus can set me free from this for good?

5. How does food try to take the place of the Holy Spirit in my daily life?

6. What would it look like for me to eat for God’s glory and not emotional relief?