Quiet Time: Self-control - Prayer

When we consider the fruit of the Spirit, we often think of love, joy, and peace, but tucked in this beautiful list is self-control—the often-overlooked gem that truly shines when we practice it through prayer. Picture a gardener tending to a fragile seedling, carefully nurturing it with water and sunlight. In the same way, self-control requires our intentional effort and daily nurturing through prayer.

Imagine waking each morning to the chaos of life: notifications pinging on your phone, the whirlwind of family demands, the pull of work deadlines. Each of these can easily lead us away from our intended purpose. But what if, in the midst of this chaos, we paused for a moment to reflect and pray? What if we brought our fears, our struggles, and our desires to God, asking for His guidance and strength?

In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul reminds us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. This means that as we align our hearts with God through prayer, we cultivate that fruit in our lives. It’s not merely about resisting temptation but about having the strength to witness to others. When we practice self-control, we reflect God’s character and purpose to those around us.

As we commit to daily prayer, let us seek God’s help to exercise self-control, not just for our growth but as a testimony of His transforming power in our lives. When we yield our struggles to Him, we find purpose, direction, and the hope that fuels our spiritual journey. Each moment of prayer is a step toward the self-control that bears witness to His greatness.