How Badly Do I Want It?

(Read 2 Kings 23:1-25)

“Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after.”  2 Kings 23:25 NASB

I have always had issues with consistency, discipline, and self-control-all of which are really important in order to walk clean and free. There are some areas in my life where consistency was not present, but I’m so thankful that over the past few years (with God’s help), I’ve learned how to be disciplined in those areas. Old habits, actions, and ways are no longer allowed. But no matter how hard I fight, there are just a few areas left that I have yet to conquer. Food is one of them.

I’ve trimmed back, cut out sweets (mostly), stopped buying processed meals, but lately my self-control is non-existent in the area of food. I know the foods that are healthy. I know that my body likes me better and performs more efficiently without excess sugar and carby items, however the battle has been raging lately. I’m not losing weight, even though I am exercising, so that means the key to weight loss is going to come down to food choice. I’m frustrated because I really want to lose weight but I’m even more frustrated with my lack of self control. Then it hit me: If I really wanted to eat right then I would. I don’t really want it because if I did then I would fight for it. My words show that I want it but my actions are totally opposite. So which one is it? Do I want it or not?

In the story from 2 Kings, Josiah wanted a land free from idol worship, pagan rituals, and false gods; so what did he do? Did he pass a decree?  Did he simply talk about how much he wanted a godly nation? Heck no. He wreaked havoc on the land! All of the high places where idol worship occurred were torn down. All of the Asherah poles were destroyed. He even had the priests who practiced this idolatry slaughtered on their own altars! When he wanted the land eradicated of evil, he got it done! Josiah really wanted it.

Josiah was only eight years old when he became king and in his twenties when he decided to clean house of all of the pagan worship in his nation. That is huge! He didn’t let anything stop him. So what’s stopping me? Lack of willpower? Lethargy? Excuses? So again, I ask myself, “How badly do I want it?” Enough to fight for it? Enough to sacrifice my cravings? My patterns? My favorite foods? My favorite addiction? I have to decide to fight for it just like Josiah.

How about you? What do you need to fight for? And how badly do you want it? If it’s really important-show it. If it’s really important-the battle is worth it. If it’s really important-make the choice. If it’s really important-no more excuses. It’s time to be ALL IN!

God, I’m done. I’m done with excuses. I’m done will old patterns. I’m done with allowing this habit to be a part of my life. I refuse to let anything control me except for Your Holy Spirit. Please, God, help me follow through. I can’t do this by myself. If I could, it would have already happened. I surrender.