A devotional on self-control isn’t always easy to write—especially after a week like we just had.
This was our first official week of homeschool, and let’s just say…it did not go as planned. We always start the year with two “soft weeks”, a gentle reintroduction to routines with just reading and math. We also restructured each child’s chore chart, which in retrospect may have been our tipping point. What kid enjoys chores?
Even with our slow start, one of my boys resisted everything. Math? Nope. Reading? Not a chance. Chores? Forget about it. And honestly? My self-control was tested in every direction.
I found myself snapping more quickly than I wanted, feeling defeated before we even made it to Thursday. So, I did something I’ve learned to do when I feel the pressure rising: I put on my shoes and went on a walk through our property trails. It’s a bit bumpy, and a full loop is only about a quarter mile, but it beats staying inside when the pressure feels insurmountable.
As I walked our pathways and breathed in the stillness of the summer moments, I was reminded of why we homeschool in the first place. Not because it’s easy, but because we believe it’s the best option for our boys. We want to raise them in the Word of God, shaped by the Spirit of God, and surrounded by love, not labels.
I walked past the garden, snipped some fresh herbs for tea, and let the tension melt into the rhythm of creation. And through these simple, grounding tasks, God whispered something deeper to my heart: self-control isn’t just about saying “no” to sin, it’s about choosing “yes” to godly lives, even when we’re tired, stretched, or tested.
This page may contain affiliate links. To view my full affiliate link disclosure, click here. There are Amazon affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission from Amazon links in this post. Find our privacy policy, terms of service, and more information about user data by visiting the links above.
Other Devotionals in the Fruit of the Spirit for Moms series:
- Choosing Joy
- Peace in our Mothering
- A Mother’s Unconditional Love
- Biblical Patience: A Call to Moms
- Faithful to Our Calling
- A Devotional on Kindness
- Cultivating Self-Control
- The Power of Gentleness
- The Fruit of Goodness
Watch the Fruit of the Spirit for Moms devotional series on YouTube.
Links Mentioned in the Video:
Truly Free (30% off with code HEALINGHOME)
Pickle Egg Salad
Einkorn Sourdough Biscuits
Easy Cold Brew
What Self-Control Means for Moms
Biblical self-control isn’t about gritting our teeth and “just trying harder.” The fruit of self-control, like all the fruits of the Spirit, is grown, not forced. It’s the Holy Spirit working in us, changing our desires and reactions from the inside out.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
Notice that? God’s grace trains us. It’s not just salvation, it’s sanctification. The very same grace that gives us eternal life is the grace that teaches us to say no to worldly passions and yes to sound minds and wise choices.
Self-control means pausing before we say that hurtful thing. It means walking away instead of reacting in frustration. It means leaning on God’s Word when our emotions are running wild. Which in turn means we’ve got to open that Bible up, ladies! No doubt that many who will read or watch the accompanying YouTube video are in the trenches of motherhood. No doubt you and I are busy and stretched thin. No doubt. But God’s Word is your lifeline. Not another cup of coffee and certainly not a glass of wine. Not a spa day or an intense workout. Not a comfort podcast or a shopping spree. Your life line is God’s Word. Read it.
It’s not too late to start a Bible reading plan for the year. It’s never too late! I have a topical Bible reading plan that has exceedingly short verses to read each day. Or you can join the one-year Bible reading plan and take it into this time next year!
One-Year Bible Reading Plan!
Want to dive deeper into your faith? Increase your relationship with Jesus? Understand the Bible more? Then the one-year Bible reading plan is for you! We will work our way chronologically through the Bible starting in January and finishing in December.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to start in January, you can start at any point of the year! Join the email list to start!
The Self-Control of Athletes—and Moms
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV)
The self-control of athletes, their discipline, endurance, and long-term vision, is a powerful image. I’m not an athlete. I love jogging and walking, and I see the value in weight training, but I’m not an athlete. Yet, the self-control it takes to go on a jog for me is immense. There are benefits that accompany taking care of your health and getting your heart rate up. Typically, we see some of those benefits externally, which can be an encouragement to keep going. Yet even something as beneficial as working out is perishable. Paul reminds us that in our faith, we’re not training for a worldly prize that is perishable. We’re living for something eternal.
We’re not just surviving motherhood. We’re being trained. We are daughters of the King, filled with the Spirit of God, called to reflect Jesus Christ in even the most chaotic moments.
I don’t think any of these Fruits of the Spirit, including self-control, are grown in the mountaintop moments; they’re grown in the messy middle. It’s developed when one child is melting down, another spilled their milk, and you haven’t even had your coffee yet.
These are muscles we are building. Just like athletic training, it takes time to grow in strength and resilience.
Where Are Your Areas of Weakness?
I’ll be honest, my areas of weakness are often hidden under the surface. It’s not usually about big sins; it’s the quiet things: the quick or snappy tone. The impatience that builds over little frustrations. The way I let things of this world crowd out my time in God’s Word.
When I let worldly passions go unchecked, when I start choosing comfort, convenience, or comparison over God’s truth, I drift. Slowly, but surely. And it’s in those little moments I need to be anchored in the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s that concept of preaching the gospel to ourselves daily! If you have set a timer that helps you focus on the gospel regularly, then do it! Trust me, it will change your perspective on another load of laundry or weeding the never-ending garden in an instant.
Reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus for us will change a moment in an instant.
Because here’s the thing: self-control isn’t something we have to muster up alone. In Jesus’ name, by God’s grace, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped.
Wise Choices, Good Work, and a Sound Mind
Self-control means making good decisions in the daily grind. Not just for our sake, but for our children, our homes, and our witness.
A Christian life marked by self-control stands out in a world that tells us to “follow your feelings” or “say what you want.” But the Spirit of God teaches us a better way, a sound mind, a calm heart, a disciplined life, and wise choices.
Dear Lord, we need Your help. We can’t live with self-control in our own strength. Help us to walk by the Spirit, not the flesh. Help us to model restraint and peace, even in the middle of spilled cereal, resistant children, and long homeschool days.
Help us remember that this is good work. Eternal work. Even when it’s hard.
Ending in the Kitchen
As I finish thinking through this devotional, I’m heading back to the kitchen. The biscuits are rising, the egg salad is chilling in the fridge, and there’s something deeply comforting about feeding my family with food I’ve prepared with care.
I think that’s why homemaking has become such a sacred space for me. It’s not just about routines or meals, it’s about creating a refuge. A healing home. A place where peace dwells, where grace flows freely, and where the daily practice of self-control is lived out in quiet, tangible ways. Albeit imperfectly!
In the kitchen, I get to choose what nourishes my family, not just physically, but spiritually too. I’m reminded that even small acts, like measuring flour or washing herbs, can be done as an offering to God. A life poured out in love, with self-control guiding our hands and hearts.
Self-control in motherhood might look like holding your tongue when you want to lash out. But it also looks like showing up again and again to do the good work God has called you to. It looks like chopping vegetables instead of calling for takeout, because you’re choosing what’s best, not what’s easiest. It looks like quiet prayers whispered between recipes, and surrender found in simple daily rhythms.
So mama, next time the day feels long and your patience feels thin, meet God right where you are, whether it’s at the stove, the homeschool table, or the kitchen sink. He’s growing the fruit of self-control in you, little by little, choice by choice, with His grace covering it all.
You are doing good work. Keep going, in Jesus’ name.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
