I noticed at one time in my journal I was asking the Lord for self control. I seems odd for me to ask the Lord to give me self control since I am the one who should be controlling myself. I thought either should have it or, minimally, I should want to develop it. I am the one who should be controlling myself. If another controls me, it is not myself. Certainly I would not want someone to force control over me, yet there may be times where I need some assistance. If another assists me in my control is it a flaw in my spirit or is it it an opportunity to develop my spirit?
I need to consider if I need assistance the Holy Spirit is known to be our "helper". What is wrong with asking the helper to help? Self control is identified in the Bible as a "fruit of the Spirit". Since I have the Spirit residing within me, the fruits thereof are available to me. This alone is a justification for me to ask. Not asking for help might be a demonstration of being insensitive to the Holy Spirit. Perhaps if I would ask and then listen I would hear. Certainly if I do not listen I will not hear. If I do listen I might hear. Perhaps the habit of asking and listening increases my sensitivity to hearing. This may build to a point where I will more thoroughly know God: know what his will is, sense his direction of my life, feel his direct presence. This could result through the practice of listening for God's guidance.
