There are times when anxiety rises, stress overwhelms, and pressure builds and we feel we will lose control. When we give in and lose it, damage, embarassment and humiliation are often the result. No matter how much we strive to keep ourselves in control, situations arise that challenge our ability. Our nature is to go with our impulses, run with our emotions. However, God expects us to bear spiritual fruit, and self-control is perhaps one of the most difficult. It can’t be attained merely by our will. This fruit, like all the other Fruit of the Spirit requires the power of the Holy Spirit within us, giving us the juice to control our actions, words, and emotions.

Just as our bodies need physical nourishment to function properly, we also need spiritual nourishment to grow spiritually and produce spiritual fruit. How do we keep our spiritual tanks full so we are prepared when life presses us and we need to draw from our reserves?

Scripture tells us that Jesus often got away from the crowds, the disciples, the demands, and spent time with God. We all need solitude, time set aside to spend with God. It doesn’t have to be 3 hours. Try 10-15 minutes. Talk to Him and tell Him what’s going on, your joys, concerns, fears. In this quiet time, listen, allow Him to speak. This helps to replenish your spiritual tank. Bible reading also helps to fill your depleted soul. Choose a few verses for study and reflection. Sometimes God reveals great things in these moments. Other times it may not be dramatic, but you are filling your spiritual tank. Journaling is another way to replenish your spiritual reserves. Write your thoughts, prayers, praises, feelings, worries. You may be surprised how much your soul gains. And, attend worship regularly. Praise God in the community of faith, spend time with other believers, listen to the teaching of God’s word. Sing to the Lord! Serve! Joy grows as we are in communion and connection with our faith family!

As you maintain a supply of God’s goodness to draw from (Lk 6:45), you will find yourself able to exercise self-control in every situation through God’s power within you. Keep an eye on your tank. Don’t allow it to get low. Attend to yourspiritual health so you can stand strong and secure when struggles and storms come your way.

Scriptures – Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB); John 15:8 (CEB); 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV) Luke 22:48, 51 (NIV); Luke 23:34 (NIV); Luke 6:45 (NIV); Luke 5:16 (NCV); Luke 23:45 (NIV); Galatians 6:16 (NIV)

Verses – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Ga 5:22-23) But you, keep your head in all situations…. (2 Ti 4:5) “Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their hearts, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their hearts. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Lk 6:45) …but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray. (Lk 5:16) So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Ga 5:16)

Questions – Do you often lose your self-control? If so, what is most likely to trigger this? If not, how do you maintain your self-control? When has losing your self-control caused damage? When has maintaining your self-control caused healing? Review Galatians 5:22-23. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 on each fruit. Which one needs the most work? How will you work to grow in the area of deficit? What is the key to producing all spiritual fruit?

Prayer – Dear Lord, I want to produce fruit that blesses and ministers to those around me. I open my heart, mind, and soul to the work of Your Holy Spirit within me. Holy Spirit, use me as a vessel that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Thank you for choosing me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.