Weight Loss, God's WaySample

STAY SELF-CONTROLLED

Scripture Reflection

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” ~ 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

“I have learned that I really do have discipline, self-control, and patience. But they were given to me as a seed, and it’s up to me to choose to develop them.” ~ Joyce Meyer 

On top of the unconscious patterns that can sabotage us, we also engage in many conscious patterns. Lack of control is the first of these behaviors that we will delve into.

We live in a world of extremes. Going without food or overeating both cause us to lose focus and control. Avoid the extremes in life. Popular 12-step programs caution against H.A.L.T. – don’t allow yourself to get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Extremes wear us out and inhibit our decision-making ability. Poor food choices are often made when we are so tired that our body craves an instant pick-me-up—which is usually unhealthy.

We learn from King David how the lack of self-control can lead us into deeper and deeper sin. 2 Samuel 11:1 opens with the subtle but powerful indictment of King David. It reads, "In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites." Here we learn that prior to falling into sin with Bathsheba, David chose to hang out idly at home with his thoughts instead of going to war with the other soldiers. We should ask ourselves the same question, "Are we operating in our purpose?" And if not, does that cause us to lose our focus and control?

Another example can be found in the New Testament. We learn what happens when we make ourselves too busy. We learn that Martha is gently corrected by Jesus for busying herself in the kitchen and stressing herself out, while Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him teach is affirmed (Luke 10:38-42): “'Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, ...'” (Luke 10:41)

God’s solution for staying self-controlled is found in 1 Peter 5:9. It warns us to be attuned to when we may be vulnerable. Peter also encourages us to be strong in our faith, which means that during times of crisis, trials, and temptations, we should seek other Christians for support. James gives us another strategy which is to "Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

Today’s Health Challenge

Record times when you feel vulnerable and out of control. Under what circumstances do you experience this most often? What will be your strategy the next time it happens? Call, text, or email someone in the midst of one of these circumstances today and have them pray with you. Let them know ahead of time so they will be ready. 

Today’s Confession

I stand firm against the enemy and he flees. I keep my eyes fixed on You, God, because You are the author and perfecter of my faith. I stand firm in Your Word. It is my sword and my shield. Your Word is a light unto my feet and a light unto my path. It brings me comfort, protection, and strength in times of need.