Day 7, Stop it, Drop it!

I stared fixated on the small bowl of cream cheese drenched in green chile jelly. Next to it lay the package of bagels that I had left out for breakfast. I looked at it, considered it, and questioned why I was even taking this break from eating when I wasn’t physically hungry. I turned over the thoughts in my head like a potter crafting the perfect clay vessel to hold all the excuses for why I could give in just this once. 

Have you ever done this? It feels a lot like playing with fire, doesn’t it? There is a psychologist, Joseph Lucianno who wrote about this exact moment. He said it was the moment we are at your tipping point and it helps to have a simple catch phrase ready such as, “Stop it, Drop it.”

I also like to say: “That’s enough.” or “We’re done  here.” One lady from a recent group said the phrase, “Stop looking at it.” helps her. 

That day (That real-time happened just a couple days ago) I jerked my chin up and told myself firmly, “That’s not happening.” And, as if the cravings were needing to see some backbone, they melted away as I turned and placed the food items back on shelves and out of sight. 

When you call out those thoughts that entertain your temptations, you are exposing them to the truth. You are exposing them for what they are: deceitful lies about why you should give in. In Ephesians 5:11 it says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” ESV. 

Journal Prompt: What simple phrase could you utter the next time you find yourself entertaining your temptations? How does this phrase empower you and bring you back to God’s truth? 

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