Give Yourself the Gift of Boundaries

There are many types of boundaries in life - most with a great and specific purpose. For instance, physical boundaries keep our bodies safe and whole, emotional boundaries keep our mind from being overburdened and overwhelmed, and professional boundaries help ensure that we adhere to a moral code without letting our work lives bleed too much into our home lives. But, the thing about the boundaries we create is - they end up defining who we are. They enforce the limits of what we will and will not do and they draw the lines so that others will do the same. 

Have you ever been through a time when it seemed like life was coming at you from all directions and the weight of it could almost crush you? Have you ever felt pulled in so many different directions that, surely, you would just be torn to pieces? Most especially in a season of business, the demands of life can make it seem like you are spiraling through your days completely alone and they often try to pull you from the one person that can provide you the strength and peace you long for - the Holy Spirit.

You see, Jesus himself created boundaries.  He knew that the only way to carry out His purpose was to stay aligned with His Heavenly Father through a personal and consistent relationship. He often got alone to pray (Mark 1:35) and encouraged the disciples to do so as well. (Matthew 6:6) He rested even in the midst of chaos (Mark 4:38) and allowed others to come to Him instead of chasing after them. (John 10:40-41)

What if you could give yourself the gift of setting healthy boundaries this holiday season? A lot of us second guess our boundary setting capabilities. We think...what if I say “No?” What if someone reeaally needs me? What if no one else will do it? 

But, Jesus had far more resting on His shoulders than you or I will ever experience, and yet He set boundaries with joy in His heart, peace in His soul, and a calmness that permeated through Him to those around Him.

Jesus also allowed others to take part in their own healing - a great example to us that we can equip those around us, but they too must do their part. In John chapter 9, we encounter a blind man who must venture to the pool of Siloam where he was to wash the mud from his eyes. (John 9:5-7) Jesus didn’t actually wash the man’s eyes for him. He simply instructed him what to do and the rest was up to the man.

You might be struggling with saying “no” today, but I would encourage you to reframe your thinking. What if instead, you said “yes” to freedom from being at the mercy of others? What if you had time to be listening and available when the Holy Spirit urges you to move? What if, by not doing something, you give someone else the opportunity to walk in what God is calling them to do?

When we understand who we are in Christ and Him alone, we can begin to understand that our identity is not determined by how much we do, how many people we help, or how successful we are in our careers. Placing Godly boundaries in our life doesn’t limit us at all, but setting boundaries actually brings us closer in relationship with the One who most deeply desires us.