Imprisoned by “Shoulds”
"When you are angry, do not sin. When you are in bed, look deep down inside you and be silent. Selah."1
Do you always do what you truly want to do, or do you give in to other's wants because you are afraid to say no? Are you swayed by what others think because you fear you won't be liked if you don't do what they want or think you should do?
A part of growth and maturity is taking responsibility for our own choices, and not allowing ourselves to be controlled by what others want, think, or expect. We are living in a time where some will say that the right things are wrong, and wrong things are right. The healthy, mature person makes decisions on the basis of what he/she knows is right for him/her based on God's Word. While we don't give in to others' demands or are not required to submit to their beliefs, we are always to speak the truth in love.
Like David, learn to listen to your heart. Continually seek God's will through prayer and reading His Word. Learn to say no to others' demands when you know that to say no is the right thing for you to do. Living by others' "shoulds" will imprison us and create feelings of anger within us, but when we live in obedience to God's Word and stand up for what is right, we will find freedom and peace.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to listen to your Holy Spirit and learn to discern between what is truly right and wrong. Help me to live in obedience to your Word, knowing that you will give me freedom and peace when I am in tune with your will. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' Name, amen."
1. Psalm 4:4.
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All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.