Right before the Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything,” he sets the stage for his command by reminding us, “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5b). So, when I face the fact that I am afraid or anxious, I then ask, “How are you near when it comes to this fear, Jesus?”
For every fear you have about being thin, Jesus has a reassurance that counters that fear. For example, if your fear is, “I would be much more tempted to flirt or even fool around,” Jesus comes near and reminds you that you may indeed be tempted, but he will always faithfully provide you with a way to escape that temptation, as well as provide you with the desire, ability, and power to do so. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 2:13, and Hebrews 8:10.)
What if you’re afraid people would only like you for your looks and not for who you really are? Jesus comes near and reminds you that you already have the love and approval of Almighty God, so if someone is so shallow as to approve of you on the basis of your appearance, he is to be pitied and prayed for. (See 1 Samuel 16:7 and Colossians 1:22.)
When we admit what it is we fear and allow Jesus to draw near and allay that fear with his truth, his power, and his presence, the motivation to stay large is diminished and; therefore, the overeating diminishes too. Ask Jesus to reveal your fears and to reveal his presence and promises that will allow you to “fear not” (Luke 12:32).