What chaos we would have if there were no boundary lines. When I’m near the ocean I am grateful the Lord has established boundaries for the water. While driving 70 mph down the highway I am grateful civil engineers have set boundaries in place. If I undergo a medical procedure I am grateful the doctors, nurses, and technicians have gone through the necessary training. We all stay within boundary lines everyday without ever giving it a second thought. Some are permanent and others are lifted after milestone birthdays or extra training.
As a preteen I longed to reach a certain age to wear make up, drive a car, date or go off to college. Now that I am older I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to enjoy the moment and not be in such a rush for the next big thing. To trust the heart behind the boundaries. I know now my parents only wanted what was best for me at the time.
How much more can we trust our heavenly Father to give us what we need every step of the way? Sometimes what we view as unanswered prayer is really His heart knowing what is best for us in the big picture – not just the here and now. As we mature, the questions and longings are deeper. It’s easy to see why a toddler shouldn’t be given something but hard to trust God’s hand when we see loved ones struggle or others blessed with the very things we need or want.
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6
Boundary lines and pleasant places. These almost seem opposing, especially when we compare ourselves with others. We might be in a time of pruning while someone else is experiencing a season of great fruitfulness. Both seasons call for the same actions – abide in the vine – remain in Jesus – trust the hand of the Father.
It was out of a heart of love that the Father sent Jesus to make a way for us.
“God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
I John 4:8b-10
We can trust His heart because He is slow to anger and abounding in love.
“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 86:15
We can remain in Jesus because He is not beyond reach – He is with us.
“And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20b
We can keep in synch with Jesus because when He ascended into heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to reside within those who believe in Him.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:13-14
Take some time to be thankful for the boundary lines God has placed in your life rather than feel limited. Boundaries actually promote healthy freedom. We each have an assignment. We each have an inheritance.
Remain in Jesus. Listen. Observe. Obey. Don’t compare portions or boundary lines. Trust the One whose love for you knows no bounds.
