Self-Control
According to Google definitions Self Control “is the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.”
This definition is particularly convicting because it says that not only to do I have to have control of my self outwardly but inwardly, my emotions and thoughts as well. The Holy Spirit has a way of doing that, just when I start my pity party he puts this definition in front of me. He knows I don’t need that pity party but I really want it. Pretty ironic for the theme of this issue right?
The first thing that really stands out for me is the control of one’s emotions but the final phrase “especially in difficult situations” is the real kicker for me. I don’t know about any of you but I rarely have control of my emotions while I am in a completely safe sheltered environment. Throw me out in the world and bombard me with the pictures, magazines, and temptations plastered everywhere and the number of emotions churning in me will probably be enough to shoot me to the moon.
Self-control branches to so many things in my life, but the one that I am particularly convicted about it is my attitude. My attitude, as it is for probably every woman no matter what age, gets the better of me more times than I would care to admit. Whether it is a rotten attitude over my Algebra 2 homework, hurt over a comment that was made, or anger over a Tift with a friend, I lack some much needed self-control in the “expression of my emotions”. In fact just before I sat down to this computer I was so worn out with all I had to do I was about to cry and that definition at the top made me cringe. Self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit I believe everyone struggles with, whether it’s food (especially if you’re a chocolate lover like I am), TV, or something more serious like drugs or waiting for marriage. TV, shopping, food, are all great things until they become so excessive they start splitting focus from God Don’t be embarrassed please you’re are definitely not the only one and I think I’m not the only one who would like to grab hold of self-control and not let it go.
Psalm 141:3 has the right idea about where to go for help with my self-control. The author calls out to God, “Set a guard over my mouth O’ Lord; keep watch over the doors of my lips” The best way to deal with our self-control issues is to give the situation straight up to our almighty Father. He knows how to deal with all of our self-control issues and he loves us so much that he wants to help! I would encourage you to fill in that verse with your own prayer for self-control where you may struggle.
Set a guard over my _______________ O’ Lord keep watch over my _________________
While I am dealing with these things I love to have accountability partner just a Christian friend who is someone to walk with you and encourage you. My mom and her best friend have a great accountability relationship, which really helps them. I don’t currently have an accountability partner but I am praying for God to reveal, to you and I, the accountability he has to help us grow with him. Just meeting once in a while and asking each other “How you are doing in your struggles” and then having the ability to be honest. Never be discouraged if you fall back to your old struggle, I know I have to constantly remind myself to step back when I start heading back to that old habit. No what happens remember this;
No one can guard and protect like God, no one can cleanse like God, and if you ever slip or even totally fall on your face, no one can ever forgive like God.