Just a Thought: If you have ever struggled with exercising self-control, there is a solution that works. Some good news. If you have ever struggled with self-control, you are not alone! We see history is filled with those who had the same issue. The Bible is full of story after story of men and women who struggled with this issue. Now, that does not excuse our lack of self-control. I just want us to see we are not alone or the only ones who face this problem. However, while everyone seems to, at one time or another wrestle with this problem. This does not have to be a problem for everyone. Great news! You and I can exercise self-control. And we can do it daily! David, the man after God’s own heart (God’s words), had trouble with this issues. But, if he is the writer of Psalms 119, which many have suggested he is. Then, he also came up with the solution when he asked and answered his own question. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” (Ps 119:9) Psalms is the longest book of the Bible and has many attributing authors. This is the longest chapter of Psalms and the Bible. But the certainty of the author is not clear. Some author suggestions are David, Daniel or maybe even Ezra. But many think it was most likely David. While the author is not certain the truth of the chapter is! The focus of the chapter is on the excellence of God’s word. And it is there we find the solution to our self-control issues. The writer asks, “How can a young man (or anyone else) keep their ways pure?” And the answer is to meditate on, delight in and not forget the word of God! The word of God is where we find the strength to practice self-control. The word of God where we find the wisdom to practice self-control. And living according to the word of God, makes us most like God, who is the essence of self-control Himself. If you have ever struggled with exercising self-control, there is a solution that works. The psalmist says, if you want to practice self-control, live according to the word of God and you will! We cannot live according to the word of God by giving it an occasional glance. We must love it. Meditate upon it. Delight in it. And not forget it! Dear Lord, let me love Your word so much that I not only obey it, but, that I live it! In Jesus name, Amen.
