Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23

 

When you hear the word “boundary,” do you think of something that holds you back or something that creates safety?

 

A talented architect was once asked about her favorite type of project. She answered, “I do my best work when the project has specific challenges and problems we have to work around. Something about those limits unleashes my creativity!”

 

Have you ever thought of God as a boundary setter? God-given boundaries shape our entire lives. We live in a particular place and time. We have specific talents and skills. We only have so much energy and capacity. These limits aren’t intended to stop us. Instead, limits can show us where to focus and give us an outlet for the gifts God has given us.

 

We also need to learn how to set boundaries if we’re to thrive. Saying “no” to new opportunities can mean protecting your “yes” to the commitments God’s already given you. Setting boundaries around our time can allow us to focus on rest, relationships, or work. And setting boundaries with people can help protect us from unhealthy relationships that take advantage of us in ways God never intended! The Bible book of Proverbs says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23). A guard is a boundary, a definitive line or limit that we put up to keep out sin, distraction, and unnecessary brokenness.

 

Consider the guards you need in your life today. They could protect your life-giving rest, your relationships, your creativity, and commitments. Do you need to learn to tell people “No”? Remember just like He does, God calls us to set boundaries for an anxiety-free, abundant life.