Reaching Goals and Dreams in a World of Shoulds

My last blog looked at a few responses to “I don’t feel like it” in writing and in life.
What is keeping you from achieving the goals that God has placed in your heart. Somehow you have convinced yourself there is no reason to take that step with your hand in God’s.

Are there times when “I don’t feel like it” can apply?

Waking up with a humongous headache with a temperature of 102.1. You are achy.
Here is your day:

Today at work, you are expected to give a fantastic presentation recapping the quarterly report.  Your boss is slightly less than then sympathetic.

Possibly you are a new small group leader in your church. The first gathering tonight of sensitive teenagers is at your house.

“I really don’t feel like it” is speaking loud and clear. But “I Really Should” is also yelling  from somewhere inside of you at the same time.
This should world is insidious. It is sneaky. It can make you feel as though you are DOING  the right thing but the underlying emotions are not peaceful.  ( Definition of insidious:. Intended to entrap or beguile stealthily treacherous and at times deceitful.)
The ugly attitude of “ should” determining our daily lives can appear in different forms:

Do you see yourself in any of these?
I. I should make sure everything looks great( because it is my responsibility).
II. I can’t get sick because if I do, who is going to take care of _____ (you fill in the blank. )
III. I should say yes to everything I am asked to do. (Doesn’t the Bible say we are to serve? Blessed are the ones who give.)
IV. I would like to do this, but the rest of my family wants to do this so I should be a nice person and be quiet, don’t make waves. Just do it.

The list can go on.

Mom’s NIGHT OUT http://momsnightoutmovie.com/ expresses in a comical vein how two women who truly love their kids, their husbands, their life’s calling came to realize that the world of” Shoulds” were stealing their goals and their dreams.  It was hilarious to see how bound up people can get trying to do the right thing.

I asked my husband  if he could see me in these women?  He smiled and pleaded the 5th.
I humbly admit there are times I am caught up in the world of shoulds. Why? The reason is, I fear what the consequences will be in the alternative.  I am depending on others to have the final say in what I “should” do.  Their opinion has more effect on reaching my dreams and goals than what God is telling me.

In Galatians, Paul was encouraging a group of new believers. Misconceptions came out expressing obedience to all of The Law plus Jesus need to be adhered to. Paul knew that God was creating something brand new.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A+14-16&version=MSG

As Jesus walked this earth, His life was the example of choices in freedom. For example the joy with children, enjoying life at a wedding, the freedom to talk to those no one else wanted. Not because of a law that said He should. It was freedom He experienced.

The teachings He shared were not filled with “shoulds”. Rather the reality of freedom available to us when we say YES in Him. When we allow the Holy Spirit be the Guide.

Crashing, bouncing, paths rushing into each other wanting to do the right thing but unsure it is correct. Depending on the world of should to give value but it cannot reach the goals and dreams God has put in your heart because your actions are only walked out through obligation or a sense of duty.

The balance – God is in control. Let Him give you the directions of what paths to take. He put the goals and dreams in your heart to reach Him in the first place.
God’s hand will pour out and fill wherever there is need to reach our goals even when we  don’t feel like it.
God’s wisdom will guide as a shepherd to make the decisions and lead  to reach the goals and dreams He placed in our heart. The focus will be on Him, not chaotic obligation.

Ps 23
1-3 God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction. MSG.