The Tyranny of "The Shoulds"

WHAT AM I TO DO???

Sometimes it just seems like there is more I should be doing...not scheming, just actively participating in what God wants to accomplish in my life.  I get overwhelmed with all I should do, must do, and I finish each day feeling defeated because I didn't do all I should have done. Psalm 37 has given me something to think about regarding The Tyranny of The Shoulds:

• Don't worry about the wicked (attitude)
• Don't envy those who do wrong (attitude)
• Trust in the LORD and do good (attitude)
• Take delight in the LORD (attitude)
• Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him (attitude)
• Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act (attitude)
• Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes (attitude)
• Stop your anger! Turn from your rage (attitude)
• Do not envy others (attitude)
• Turn from evil and do good (action)
• The godly are generous givers (don't be stingy)  (attitude that manifests itself in an action)
• Don't be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path (attitude followed by an action)
• Look at those who are honest and good  (attitude)

Most of these commands are not about what I should be doing, but how I should be thinking and managing my feelings.  The only commands about what I should do are to turn from evil and do good, give generously, and walk the straight path of obedience.  Not very glorious a task, is it?  Sounds like "TRUST AND OBEY" to me!!

There are promised benefits for obeying these principles:

• Then you will live safely in the land and prosper 
• He will give you your heart's desires
• He will help you
• He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun
• Those who trust in the LORD will possess the land
• Those who are gentle and lowly will possess the land; they will live in prosperous security
• The LORD takes care of the godly. Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever
• They will survive through hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough
• The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives
• Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand
• I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread
• The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing
• For the LORD loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever
• The godly will inherit the land and will live there forever
• The LORD will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are brought before the judge
• He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed
• A wonderful future lies before those who love peace
• The LORD saves the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble
• The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

TRUST AND OBEY

John H. Sammis 

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.