My doctor is constantly getting after me because of my weight but I can't seem to do anything about it. I know it's bad for me and all that, but I guess I'm just addicted to food. Will God help me somehow? I've prayed that He'd take away my appetite but it hasn't done any good. — Mrs. D.S.

God loves us and wants us to be free from anything that enslaves us. He doesn't want us to be a captive to anything: alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, or any other habit or addiction you can mention, including food.

The first step, therefore, is for you to ask yourself, "What is God's will for my life? What kind of person does He want me to be?" Don't just ask yourself what kind of person you want to be; ask yourself what God's will is for your life.

What is God's will for you? One answer is that He doesn't want you to hurt your health by overeating and being overweight. God gave your body to you, and the Bible tells us to "honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20). In addition, God wants you to be free from anything that enslaves you—for only then can you serve Him as you should. Most of all, God wants you to come to know Him by giving your life to Jesus Christ. If you have never done so, turn to Him and ask Him to come into your life.

Then ask God to help you deal with this problem. No, He may not take away your appetite (at least not at first). But He will help you in practical ways, by giving you wisdom to cut down on your food intake. For example, make a shopping list before you go to the grocery store—and stick to it. Most of all, seek your happiness from Christ and His people, and not from food.