The concept of boundaries often brings confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty to my heart. The term itself can seem harsh, impersonal, and restrictive. As a recovering people pleaser, setting boundaries, especially in relationships, doesn’t always feel like an act of love. In today’s culture, it’s a popular topic with many advocating for various types of boundaries. Yet, I’m reminded of a verse I learned early in my journey with Jesus. Psalm 16:6 says, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” This verse offers a starkly different perspective from my own when it comes to boundaries. It speaks of pleasantness, delight, and assurance of a good inheritance. Can boundaries really be seen that way? What else does God say about them?
Boundaries Are God’s Design
The truth is that boundaries have been a part of God’s design from the beginning. When He created the world, He separated light from darkness (Genesis 1:4). He set boundaries for land and sky, day and night (Genesis 1:5-10). Boundaries have always been a part of the best design for God’s world, and therefore, His people. Further on in the Old Testament, we see God create moral boundaries for His people through the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and numerous boundaries within the ceremonial rules of the law.
We also see clear boundaries in the life of Jesus, who often set aside times to be alone, and had differing levels of trust with various people. The story of Lazurus highlights this clearly in John 11:1-45. He wasn’t a “yes” man, even for his very close friends and followers. He didn’t rush to heal Lazurus, which many saw as confusing and even outright cruel. But Jesus held firm to arriving when He was able, not changing His boundary just because everyone else was demanding it of Him. He didn’t apologize for taking more time than everyone thought He needed. The scripture says that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and it was because He loved them that He exercised his boundaries, trusted His Father and accomplished more than anyone expected.
Boundaries for Your Life
Scripture shows that God values and desires boundaries in our lives. However, these divine boundaries differ from how our culture defines them which often resemble demands or attempts at control. True boundaries, as exemplified by Jesus, offer us the same freedom He enjoyed. Knowing His identity and purpose, and keeping His focus on the Father enabled Him to set loving and intentional boundaries that protected both Himself and others. Even when His disciples, those closest to Him questioned his reasoning, He knew that the work God had called him to do on earth was worth protecting.
If our goal in sanctification is to become more like Jesus, we must follow His example, including setting boundaries. This includes boundaries for our own thoughts and actions (Philippians 4:8, Romans 8:5-6), as well as boundaries for our relationships with others. The work God has called us to is worth protecting. The inheritance He has prepared for us is worth the sometimes uncomfortable process of establishing clear boundaries. Though these boundaries may not always be understood by others, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in setting them will lead to greater freedom. Biblical boundaries are a profound way to express love for God, ourselves, and others.
Boundaries are part of God’s design, just like you are. Recognizing that boundaries are established by God, supported by scripture, and practiced by Jesus allows us to see them as beneficial rather than burdensome. Instead of fostering hostility in our relationships, boundaries encourage honesty. Rather than being restrictive rules, they serve as guiding tools that bring us back to the freedom God desires for us.
Wherever your boundaries are, step into your pleasant places today, and find joy in a God who delights in you.
Looking to learn more about boundaries? Go deeper here.
