Use Your Reins

Bible Reading: Romans 7:15-25

Kelly urged Sandstorm into a trot as she rounded the field. She loved riding, but today even the sun glinting off Sandstorm’s golden mane couldn’t stop angry tears from falling. Sandstorm took the opportunity to munch on some tasty grass.

“Kelly, use your reins!” Aunt Selah yelled, jolting Kelly to attention. She pulled at the reins and Sandstorm lifted his head, nickering in protest.

Kelly guided Sandstorm to the barn, and Aunt Selah took the reins while Kelly dismounted. “What’s up today? You usually don’t let Sandstorm get the best of you.”

Kelly sighed. “Jolie and I had an argument at school. We’ve been best friends since first grade, but I’ve been so irritated with her lately. I was so angry, a flow of ugly words came out that I didn’t want to say.”

Aunt Selah handed Kelly Sandstorm’s brush. “Sounds like you weren’t using your reins.”

“Ha. I’m not a horse!” Kelly snorted as she brushed Sandstorm.

Aunt Selah grinned. “No, but you acted like Sandstorm did a few moments ago. He wanted to indulge, but your reins helped him get back on track. He needed to listen to you…just like we need to listen to the Holy Spirit when He tugs on our hearts.”

“But it’s so hard! Jesus is my Savior, but sometimes the old me just wants to take over, and I say and do things I don’t want to.”

“The apostle Paul said the same thing,” Aunt Selah replied. “In the book of Romans, he wrote that he often did the opposite of what he wanted to do. He felt like he was in a tug-of-war with his old, sinful nature and his new nature.”

“What did he do?” asked Kelly.

“He thanked God for saving him through Jesus Christ. Because you trust in Jesus, Kelly, you have His strength to help you with the self-control you’re lacking. It’s not always easy, but you can speak and act like the new, loving person He’s made you to be.”

“I’ve never thought of it that way,” Kelly mused as she stroked Sandstorm’s muzzle. “Thanks, Aunt Selah. I’m going to call Jolie and apologize…but first, I’m going to talk with Jesus and ask for His forgiveness and guidance.”

Aunt Selah winked. “That’s my girl! There’s no one to help you rein it in better than Him!” -Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Have you ever ridden a horse? If so, you know the importance of the reins attached to the bit, which encourages the horse to go in the direction you want it to go. Our thoughts, words, and actions can be a lot harder to tame. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. If you are a child of God, you have His power in you. He has given us everything we need to live a godly life. Trust Him to help you with self-control.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Today’s Key Thought:

Rely on God’s power for self-control