In my own weight loss journey, one of the problems I dealt with was thinking that I didn't have any self discipline. But I wrong; I had the seed of self-discipline as a believer in Jesus Christ. It is a fruit of God's Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

What I didn't understand is that self discipline requires nurturing to grow. That nurturing occurs through abiding in Christ daily and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my daily decisions: "Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us (1 John 3:24)."

I learned that issues with self discipline can always be traced to a wrong way of thinking. But through abiding in Christ and following the guidance of the Spirit, I started to develop the mind of Christ and act the way He would. This is a daily learning process!

The following is a prayer I wrote to help myself in this area. I pray it encourages you as well. This prayer is included in my newest book, The Weight Loss Prayers: 30 Daily Prayers for Weight Loss Motivation.

Today's Prayer

I come to you today God, asking for the fruit of self-discipline to be cultivated within me. I want to be healthy Spiritually, mentally, and physically.

According to your word, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. My desire is to walk in the Spirit so that I will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Help me to keep my feet on the straight and narrow path always. Amen.

Be blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness,