For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

~2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

Flowers on Mother’s Day, and gift certificates on birthdays and Christmas are all thoughtful gifts, but the gift of disciplined thoughts? Absolutely. Especially when our heavenly Father gives them to me.

I need that personal discipline to control my thoughts. They are like a runaway train, especially while I’m praying. In fact, my undisciplined thoughts led me to this topic. When I first thought about what I was thinking about, the topic of self-discipline came up in a sermon at church. (Of course, it did. God is so good.)

The teaching showed me I needed to stop letting negative thoughts linger in my mind. Instead, I needed to replace them with a Bible verse I had memorized. I love doing this, and it works.

Whenever something hurts or bothers me, I say to myself (sometimes aloud), “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God and also in Jesus” (John 14:1). Gratitude works too, particularly if a sour mood accompanies my negative thoughts. I try to think of five things I am grateful for. Usually by item three, joy in the Lord has taken over, and the negativity has dissipated.

It has taken me some time to make this practice a habit. My wallowing flesh doesn’t like to be controlled. This new training goes against my nature to let my thoughts run free. But that behavior is bad for me: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Dwelling on painful things from the past steals my energy and dampens my spirit. That’s a big area where I need self-discipline.

For the time being, no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].

~Hebrews 12:11 AMP

I want to consume that peaceful fruit of righteousness so I am free to seek God’s will and purpose for me. I don’t want to be stuck in a grumpy and unfocused state.

Think of areas in your life where self-discipline could help you. Then, ask God to help you live closer to Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, please fill my mind with Your Word to drive away the negative thoughts that keep me from living for Your purpose. I need Your help. In Jesus’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: The Gift of Discipline: Angela Dolbear: All Rights Reserved.