From my personal journey, I've learned that whenever I rely on self-control alone, I stumble in my pursuit of God's will and what pleases Him. Self-control is not a mere act of willpower; it's a manifestation of the Father's work within us. God has blessed us with the Holy Spirit as our helper, especially in our moments of weakness and distress.
In our daily lives, our sinful nature often pushes us towards actions that run contrary to God's desires. However, we also carry the Holy Spirit within us, yearning to fulfill what pleases God. These two forces are in constant conflict, hindering us from carrying out our noble intentions.
The solution lies in allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in every aspect of our lives. As the Bible teaches, 'But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). Each time we turn away from unrighteous thoughts and resist evil, the Holy Spirit becomes active within us. It takes full control, assisting us in discerning God's perfect, pleasing, and acceptable will.
Today, I encourage you to be God-controlled rather than self-controlled. Submit to God, 'fear the Lord, and find joy in His commands.' Remember, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding.' (Proverbs 3:5). Let the Holy Spirit lead you in every step, aligning your life with God's will and experiencing the peace and joy that come with it.