I had a stress test yesterday. On the way there, I began to think of all the things I was going to start doing to get rid of the extra 10 pounds I’ve been carrying around. Eat healthier, get to the gym a little more regularly, “get my steps in,” etc. Feeling the anxiety of what they might find, I thought that if I had a plan to get my heart healthier maybe the test would come out better. That’s not very scientific, but it’s a good glimpse of how my brain works. Solomon’s reference in today’s verse is a great reminder of the difficult and dangerous places our appetites can get us into. Following our lusts, hungers, and desires rather than that still, small voice of God in our spirit can lead us to places physically and, more importantly, spiritually fraught with destruction. God offers His power as a gift of His Holy Spirit through self-control. Today let His power in you direct, guide and protect you on your journey through a world truly out to crush your influence for Him.