Self-discipline.
This is the word that kept coming to mind as I read and
thought about the chapter this week.
Followed by…self-reliance…self-control… and self-confidence.
What they all have in common is each one depends on one
person—me. While the world says the only one I can depend on is myself, I have
to admit I’m uncomfortable with that.
Please don’t misunderstand—I firmly believe we are each
responsible for our own actions. So, I agree that I need to have some
self-discipline and self-control over my behavior.
But to be dependent only on myself? That’s not going to work.
I don’t have the strength or wisdom to be perfect. I’m going
to mess up. Repeatedly.
My feelings and emotions are like a roller coaster, which
means I may act based on the mood I’m in.
So, how can I discipline myself when my thoughts, emotions,
and moods fluctuate? I can’t, I need God’s help.
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 NIV
God is never changing, always consistent, always present,
and always a firm foundation.
I am the Lord, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6a NLT
We have a God who understands, and He is
always ready to help me when I turn to Him.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT
God promises to give us strength…
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29 NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
He promises to show us a way out of
temptation…
And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10: 13b NLT
He promises us the power for self-discipline and
self-control…
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
In Christ,
Laura
Hi Laura - this is a great post. Something I am sadly lacking is self-control in some areas which then affects my emotions and so it goes on and on. Its on God that I should rely and trust my emotions to. God bless
ReplyDeleteTracy
Hi Lara...I echo what Tracy said...when my emotions hit hard....I can forget about self control...but something I've learned is that He loves me anyways just the way I love my girls no matter what. That's the best....His love never changes.....and never frustrates. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteAh...I work at self-discipline but sometimes I think I'm going backwards. But this post is so encouraging to me. So often I try to accomplish it on my own. But God has promised to help! I need to be more proactive and ask.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your Sabbath.
This is so true for all of us. We need God's help. The good news is we can have it if we want it and ask for it. The bad news is we too often think we can do it ourselves or even if we don't think we can do it, we still try knowing we will fail, and then get down on ourselves and sometimes even on God.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte