Boundaries…

“Boundaries are not restrictive fences meant to keep us from enjoying life, but gifts from a God who cares about our well-being.” I read this today and begin to think about the boundaries God has set for us as Christians.  Then, I read the following set of scriptures.  Which was talking about the state of Israel. The “hedges and boundaries” had been removed and they needed God’s mercy and grace to help them get back on track.  Psalm 80:7-14 NIRV, “God of the angel armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation. Remember how you brought a young vine from Egypt, cleared out the brambles and briers and planted your very own vineyard? You prepared the good earth, you planted her roots deep; the vineyard filled the land.  Your vine soared high and shaded the mountains, even dwarfing the giant cedars.  Your vine ranged west to the Sea, east to the River.  So why do you no longer protect your vine? Trespassers pick its grapes at will; Wild pigs crash through and crush it, and the mice nibble away at what's left.  God of the angel armies, turn our way! Take a good look at what's happened and attend to this vine.”  Here, Israel is asking God, why are you not protecting us?!  Sometimes, we ask God the same things.  “God, Why? Where are the protective hedges and boundaries you promises me?!”  But, God is gently telling us…”They are not there, because you took them down.”  He calls many to Him; to serve Him with their whole heart, to stay within the boundaries He has set, to repair those hedges so that they remain strong and to keep the hedges there.  But, some chose not to do those things.  Instead they are so anxious to see what is on the other side of that hedge of protection. They want to participate in what is going on the other side.  And, they want to be a part of the “in-crowd” on the other side.  So, after removing that boundary bit by bit, they are vulnerable to the things that brings happiness for only a season.  These are things that will eventually pick them apart, crush them and nibble away at what little faith in God they have left.

You know, the Word of God is a precious gift.  It is full of “boundary lines” that are meant to protect us from the things of the world and meant to keep us from the one who steals, kills & destroys.  Those boundaries are there to keep us in a place where we can grow and flourish in Him and bear the fruit of spirit.  And, there is no other place I’d rather be…safe within the boundaries that He set for me.  ♥