I'm subject to any and as much trial as any of you are. In recent weeks a dark moody cloud has settled on all things, and there is no mistake about its origins. I do not fear it, but I do practice prudence concerning it.
In these moments a clear discernment is vital, and I have remained mostly silent so as not to slip into fleshly reactions. Solitude and meditation on His word are also vital. The silence is good for me, and Self-control is a characteristic of the wise and mature Christian.
In short, I can't trust myself, and therefore I MUST trust Him! It is only in His strength that I can achieve any of it, and the peace that comes with it.
The biblical characteristic of "self-control", often referred to as "self-discipline" or "temperance," is a fundamental virtue that is highly regarded in the Bible. It involves the ability to exercise restraint and moderation in various aspects of life, including our thoughts, words, actions, and desires.
According to the Bible, we can have self-control by:
• Trusting and depending on God. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Being led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16)
• Walking in love. (Galatians 5:13-14)
• Cultivating it as part of our progression toward Christ-likeness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
All of these come together as "Patient Endurance". It is also wisdom, where the prudent take cover in times of evil and remain silent. (Amos 5:13, Proverbs 22:3 & 27:12)
The deception at play in the world today, is incredible and is only visible when you step out of its midst and see all the pieces progressing in tandem and at high speed. For me this requires stepping away from media, and social media, and not participating with and in it, with so many alarms going off that the distraction will trap you from any form of peace of mind.
Proverbs 24:1-2
Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
We are quickly approaching a threshold that once crossed, chaos will likely reign. Some are prematurely claiming we have already crossed it, but I say no, since we are still here. Be sure to know this though, that it is coming...
Today my area was graced with the relief of only rain and wind. No Ice, and maybe some light snow tomorrow. Next weekend is the big test. And I count it a luxury to have some more prep time for it.
While I am not of the world anymore, I am still in it. So, I must apply common sense and the Word to my situations as they come, along with prayer and thankfulness for what provisions are assigned to me.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I am occupying until He comes. I am like that curled up puppy resting in my Master's lap watching, but staying out of it all, because the alternative is to bark and stress over things out of my control and out of my real concern and displease Him in the process.
"Do not extinguish the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19) This requires that I submit to His will, and not my own.
And wait on Him...
• Let no fear control your life
Hold fast to that which you have!
You are already victorious, and a crown awaits you for it. The Word is your weapon against all things, and the Lord is your strength and your shield. You are an eternal being already by His gift, with no other effort but to have accepted it, and believe it, and proclaim it.
Grace and Peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh!
