Someone once discussed his difficulties with self-control and temptation. He described them to me in this way:

"In fact, I don’t understand why I act the way I do. I don’t do what I know is right. I do the things I hate . . . I know that my selfish desires won’t let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong."

Do you find yourself in the same boat as this person? Do you strive to do the right thing, but always seem to fall short? Do you approach situations with the right way, but look back and wonder what happened? If so, fret not; you are in good company. This person is none other than the apostle Paul, and his description can be found in Romans 7:15-19 Romans 7:15-19 [15] For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [16] If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good. [17] Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. [19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
American King James Version×(Contemporary English Version).

Take comfort in knowing that God is aware of your situation and is in ultimate control. You are not alone.

In emotional situations, it can be very easy to lose control. Let's look at three common emotions that can tempt us to lose our self-control—and how to thwart them. 

1. Want

This one is pretty obvious looking back at Paul's words above. He wrote that his "selfish desires" trapped him from doing what he knew was the right thing. Of course, everyone has wants and needs, but nothing should come between you and your relationship with God. 

"He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich" (Proverbs 21:17 Proverbs 21:17He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
American King James Version×). This proverb demonstrates that a materialistic focus on only "the good stuff" and decision-making based on present pleasure are damaging in the long run. How can we combat these threats to self-control?

When you find yourself tempted to lose control on a spur-of-the-moment desire, ask yourself whether your action will produce treasures on earth, or store "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21 Matthew 6:19-21 [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
American King James Version×). God will provide you with everything you need (Psalms 23:1 Psalms 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
American King James Version×). Walk with God to become less dependent on physical amenities and regain your self-control.

2. Anger

Moses learned this lesson the hard way in Numbers 20:1-13 Numbers 20:1-13 [1] Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. [2] And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. [3] And the people strived with Moses, and spoke, saying, Would God that we had died when our brothers died before the LORD! [4] And why have you brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? [5] And why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. [6] And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell on their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. [7] And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [8] Take the rod, and gather you the assembly together, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak you to the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock: so you shall give the congregation and their beasts drink. [9] And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. [10] And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? [11] And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. [12] And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. [13] This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
American King James Version×. God had instructed Moses and Aaron to speak to a rock in order to grant Israel water. Instead, Moses furiously smacked the rock twice with his rod, took credit for the miracle God was performing through him, and did so in front of the Israelite assembly. Moses allowed his anger to take control and disobeyed a direct command from God. As a result, God did not permit him to enter into the Promised Land.

Anger can be an emotional expressway to impulsive sin. Our challenge is to maintain control while angry and heed God's instruction to "be angry, and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26 Ephesians 4:26Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
American King James Version×). Take a minute to seek advice and calm down when you are upset rather than immediately venting everything that enters your head (Proverbs 29:11 Proverbs 29:11A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.
American King James Version×). Go to God and ask for guidance in making the right decision. "People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness" (Proverbs 14:29 Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
American King James Version×; New Living Translation).

3. Fear

Jesus Christ was walking with Peter and the other disciples when He was suddenly arrested by a detachment of troops (John 18:1-11 John 18:1-11 [1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. [2] And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus often resorted thither with his disciples. [3] Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come on him, went forth, and said to them, Whom seek you? [5] They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. [6] As soon then as he had said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. [7] Then asked he them again, Whom seek you? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. [8] Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore you seek me, let these go their way: [9] That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Of them which you gave me have I lost none. [10] Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. [11] Then said Jesus to Peter, Put up your sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?
American King James Version×). Peter was not yet able to understand the events that were taking place and attacked one of the men with a sword, perhaps out of fear or anger. Later, Peter was even confronted about being a follower of Jesus Christ and hotly denied it three times: "He began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this Man of whom you speak!'" (Mark 14:71 Mark 14:71But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom you speak.
American King James Version×).

Peter's fear of being found a follower of Christ was very real. He almost certainly faced arrest, torture, and even death.

How can you maintain self-control in the face of your fears, real or imagined?

Take comfort in knowing that God is aware of your situation and is in ultimate control. You are not alone. God is much more powerful than anything you fear, and will deliver you if you seek Him: "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalms 34:4 Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
American King James Version×). You can go to God with any fear or worry, no matter how big or how small. Ask Him to guide you with His Spirit, which brings power and not fear (2 Timothy 1:7 2 Timothy 1:7For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
American King James Version×).

Mastering self-control is a difficult, life-long battle, but it is one we can't throw in the towel for. The apostle Paul worked at it for his entire life, and in the end, he was able to say this about his walk with God: "I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7 2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
American King James Version×; CEV).

Continue to grow in self-control and you can share the same words at the end of your race.