Too Many "Oughts", "Shoulds", and "Musts"

Ephesians 1:4-5a,7-8 – For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (NIV)

As one day melted into another, I found it almost impossible to put a message together that made any sense. I paused to reflect on past experiences, knowing that sometimes God has other plans for us.

There are times when I am troubled about being unable to write — times when for some reason, I seem unable to get things together. That simple little story just won't gel.

Thinking this through, I began to blame the abundance of things in which I have become involved. Though most are Christian-oriented and are things I feel God has chosen for me to do, I somehow tend to feel overwhelmed.

I questioned myself: Am I trying too hard? Am I trying to win God's approval in doing too many "oughts", "shoulds", and "musts"? That means too many things we think we ought to be doing, should be doing, or must do!

How many of us become less and less the way God wants us to be by trying too hard to please God, when it really isn't necessary? In His eyes, we are already special, because God chose us. He loves us unconditionally. We are forgiven by God permanently, and nothing can take that away.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we come before You this day, giving thanks in the knowledge that it is You Who have chosen us to do Your will and not we ourselves. Sometimes we fail to understand where it is that we should be serving You, and we tend to forget that in You, we are special, we are chosen, we are loved, and we are forgiven through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.