RULE YOUR SPIRIT

 

BY P. MICHAEL

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:32 – "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

Introduction:

In today's world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the circumstances around us—whether it's negative people, challenging situations, or even our own inner struggles. However, Proverbs 16:32 offers us a powerful principle: the importance of ruling our own spirit. This wisdom reminds us that true strength is not in controlling others or our circumstances but in mastering ourselves, particularly our emotions and responses.

1. Controlling Your Spirit vs. Controlling Others:

We often spend energy trying to control what other people think, say, or do. The truth, however, is that we can’t control others. Our ability to rule our spirit is a personal responsibility. It’s not about changing the world around us, but about mastering our reactions and emotions.

Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

This scripture reminds us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. As we grow in the Lord, we become better equipped to rule our own spirit, which leads to peace and stability in our lives.

2. The Danger of Letting Negative Emotions In:

Part of ruling your spirit involves not letting negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, control you. Proverbs 16:32 highlights that those who are slow to anger are stronger than the mighty. Emotions like anger, when left unchecked, have the potential to “poison” our hearts and minds.

Ephesians 4:26-27 – "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

The key here is that while anger is a natural emotion, we must not allow it to control us or cause us to sin. The longer we hold onto anger, the more power we give it. We must release it quickly to prevent the enemy from using it to destabilize us.

James 1:19-20 – "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

This scripture emphasizes the importance of being slow to anger and quick to listen. When we allow God to help us rule our spirit, we are better equipped to handle situations with patience and grace, leading to peace rather than conflict.

3. Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Doubts:

Another aspect of ruling your spirit is resisting the enemy's whispers of doubt and discouragement. Often, we hear the voice telling us that we’ve made too many mistakes, or that God's blessings are no longer available to us.

Romans 8:1 – "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

God’s mercy is greater than any mistake we have made. No matter how much we’ve fallen, we are still covered by the grace of Jesus. Our past doesn’t define us, and we need to reject the enemy's lies that try to keep us trapped in guilt and shame.

Lamentations 3:22-23 – "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

God's mercy is new every morning. His love and faithfulness are greater than our mistakes. We must keep our focus on His grace, knowing that He is always ready to help us rise again.

4. Developing the Right Attitude After a Fall:

It’s natural to feel discouraged when we make mistakes or face setbacks. However, part of ruling your spirit is maintaining the right attitude. When you fall, don’t stay down. God’s plan for you is not finished.

Proverbs 24:16 – "For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."

This scripture shows us that even the righteous may fall, but they rise again. We are not defined by our failures, but by how we respond to them. We must choose to rise and continue trusting in God’s plan for us.

Philippians 3:13-14 – "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

The Apostle Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and press forward. Even after a fall, we must keep our eyes on the goal and press on toward the high calling of Christ.

Conclusion:

Ruling your spirit requires self-discipline, patience, and trust in God’s mercy and grace. It’s not about external control but about managing our internal responses to life’s challenges. By ruling our spirit, we gain strength, wisdom, and peace, and we’re able to navigate life with a heart anchored in God’s promises. Let’s commit today to not let negative emotions control us, to rise above discouragement, and to trust that God is still working in our lives.

Prayer:

Father, help us to rule our spirit with patience, wisdom, and grace. Teach us to control our emotions, especially anger, and to resist the enemy’s lies. Thank You for Your mercy and for the assurance that You are not finished with us. Strengthen us to rise above our mistakes and continue trusting in Your plan. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Further Study:

Colossians 3:8 – "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 – "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

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