Family Devotions and Bible Readings

S     Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

O     A person who lacks self control is as unstable, defenseless, easily attacked, easily dominated, and easily conquered as a city with broken-down walls. In today’s terms we could see this as a house with broken doors or broken windows. Either one is open to the attack of the enemy and is helpless and vulnerable. We would not invest in things of value for that house or city, we would be hiding items instead of displaying them, we would be aware of the fact that at any moment we would have to leave this city or house and we would not have a sense of belonging. Living in a house with broken doors and broken windows would make us feel unsafe, and unsecure. So is living as a person without self-control. I don’t think we are talking here of just anger. I believe that the Lord talks about the lack of control in all aspects of life. This person says the most inappropriate things at the worst times, he or she does not control their urges, their desires are to do what is fun for the moment but not right for the occasion or for the future.

A     I lived so many years as a person who lacked self-control, I showed it in my recklessness, my lack of concern for others, my desire to do what pleased me at the time, and my anger. I did not fully realize the repercussions at the time, because I did not care. I just wanted to have fun and by luck come ahead. I never planned, I never prospered, I never grew. No one trusted me. It reminds me of a city with a broken wall, just being used for the time, but nothing more than emptiness inside. I now seek self-control and the difference is incredible. Now I am in charge and not my anger, desires, lust, and selfishness. I need to continue working on the area of delay gratification. That is the area where I lack self-control in my life. That is the one area where I feel I can be disobedient to the Lord at times. I will therefore seek to exercise my self-control by delaying the gratification that comes from obtaining what I want, when I want it instead of waiting for the best time to have it.

P     Lord, yesterday You help me immensely in my lack of desire to delay gratification. I ask You to place in areas where I would be able to be tested and strengthened in this area of weakness. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.