"What does God want me to do?" Who has never asked this question?!
A further iteration sounds like: "What should I do?"
It can take this form too: I feel like I ought to do ________, but ________.
Thoughts of "I ought to" and "I should" populate our minds frequently. It’s important to listen for them and then take them right to Jesus rather than ASSUMING they are the voice of God.
"Should" and "ought" often come from a sense of obligation or self-judgment rather than from the heart of God. God speaks in a way that not only encompasses morality, but in a freeing way that appeals to identity—the heart of who He made you to be.
"Should’s" and "ought’s" take us into a realm of legality rather than identity and freedom.
It’s fine to think that you "should do what’s right," but how much better is it to see the wisdom of what’s right for YOU and desire to walk in it.
Authentic desire will trump obligation every time.
Let Jesus give you a fresh take on the habitual "should’s" or "ought’s" that you have legislated for yourself.
Ask: Jesus, what "should’s" or "ought’s" whisper to me?
Ask: Jesus, what do you want me to know about that from your heart to mine?
Ask: Jesus, what areas do I think ought to be a certain way in my life?
Ask: Jesus, here’s what I think ought to be, but what do you want me to know?
Don’t be surprised when the voice of God is far more freeing than you expect. Jesus motivates through connected love rather than disconnected rules.
"I do not call you servants any longer, because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father." (John 15:15)
– Cayce Harris