Fruits of the Spirit: Self-Control

Fruits of the Spirit — a Dock Line poetry series reflecting on Galatians 5:22–23. Part 9 of 9.

In this series, each poem listens for how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control show up in ordinary life—with the Lord interrupting hurry, worry, and noise to speak a quieter word.

I was busy letting my mind wander
To spaces and places that are not safe

When Jesus showed up

And asked me to turn my attention to Him

And sever the thoughts I was thinking

He said, “self control starts in your mind”
I don’t want to say anything else, only listen

“Surrendering your thoughts to me will be a start.
They occupy quite a large real estate, in your mind

And it’s a shame that your time is spent on these trivial things
Because it’s all made up, none of it’s real

You make up stories, scenarios, situations
Time lines, turn of events, and tall tales

To ease a runaway mind
And it doesn’t have to be this way

I have more for you than fiction, more than fantasy
I am the real deal

Choose self control when you feel yourself spiraling
Place your imagination in my hands

Let me fill your thoughts with my purpose
Restrain what you know, to walk into what you don’t understand

Explore the series: Love · Joy · Peace · Patience · Kindness · Goodness · Faithfulness · Gentleness · Self-Control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23