Boundaries = Freedom
This summer I have spent most of my energies towards eating right and exercising. It has been a huge change for me as I have been living without guidelines - thus, my jeans have been doing the same! But, oddly enough, it was showing up in other areas as well – my organization, energy, moods, and desire to achieve my goals. So, by changing my focus from over-indulgence and laziness to portion control, good food choices, and…the “E” word – exercise. Eating right isn’t that hard for me other than when it comes to chocolate, cereals, and breads. Exercise is normally enjoyable for me until I have to push myself – which I am finding out is the only way to lose weight!
So…yeah, it has been a struggle. However, turning this struggle into an area of surrender has transformed this experience for me. Surrender to God’s will for me – which has really helped me in regaining control of my choices. So, by surrendering this over to Him, He seems to have given it back to me in the form of boundaries which has been so freeing! Boundaries = freedom? Yes, I believe it does, interestingly enough. Let’s look at their meanings:
Boundary: something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent
=
Freedom: the quality or state of being free: as a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another – meaning the power or condition of acting without compulsion
When we apply these terms to our lives living in Christ, we see His will for our lives so much clearer. These boundaries seem like chains at times – holding us back from what we think is in our best interest. When, all along they could mean our destruction. Following God’s will or boundaries for our lives actually is our freedom! Our liberty! God frees us – we must seek Him for direction to know the plans He has for us. When we ask – He answers. When we seek – we will find. At the other end of our search is our freedom. JOY!
Amen