When You Need To Be Reminded About the Blessings of Boundaries
My first blog was called Greener Pastures for a reason. I had recently moved up to New York City days after returning from my honeymoon in the heart of winter. This transition wasn’t exactly seamless. Furniture had yet to arrive. Familiarity was abandoned. Family was 1,400 miles away.
It didn’t take long to wonder why I was there, and if I had made the biggest mistake of my life getting married, moving across the country, and starting a new role at my company. Over the years, I wish I could say that things began to evolve into easy. But, my homesick heart coupled with a lack of purpose led me into puddles of tears and spirals of doubt, blind to the blessings.
By God’s grace we dove head first into community at our church plant several years later, and purpose slowly unfurled like the hopeful Park Avenue tulips in spring.
As a mom of three children under five with limited resources, island life on Manhattan left me with feelings of isolation. Despite smiles, my heart defiantly resisted the boundaries God placed around me in that season.
Why here, Lord? Why not there? For over a decade, pictures of sunny backyards, greener spaces, and sprawling homes on social media left my longing heart hopeless that anything would change.
Perhaps you can relate. Even if you haven’t moved across the country, maybe you desire to travel back to a previous season, a previous relationship, or simply the way things used to be. I get it.
In the book of Joshua I’m reminded of the blessings of boundaries.
The Israelites wandered the desert 40 years, constantly wrestling against boundaries God placed despite witnessing His abundant and consistent provision with each struggled step. After temptations to replace Yahweh with counterfeit gods, the children of God are introduced to their new homeland: the promised land.
As they conquered armies, they were not free to claim just any territory for their family. In his infinite and sovereign wisdom, God allotted them land through Joshua’s command.
So, Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.
Joshua 11:23 ESV
Words like, “your allotted inheritance” pepper the entire book. Natural boundaries of rivers and mountains designated property lines for some, yet I’m amazed how specific God was in assigning each tribe their gifted portion.
As I read through Joshua 15, in particular, I’m reminded that each boundary represented the following blessings, and I’m mindful they remain our blessings as well.
Protection
The boundaries for the Israelites in the promised land were for their good. God knew neighboring tribes would present challenges and danger, so the lines of land were drawn for their good. They provided a sense of security and belonging.
Clarity
These lines provided clarity for the sojourners longing for a place to call home. God left little to be discerned when it came to which tribe should inhabit which section. This clarity was kind provision for his children.
Purpose
With each boundary, God made clear this was a gifted inheritance to be stewarded well. This land given by a generous God would serve as a legacy for generations to come. Joshua 22:5-28 further explains what they were to do once settled: love the Lord their God, walk in His ways, cling to him, and serve him with their whole heart.
After God shows us the where and the why, he reminds us of what we are called to do with his gifts.
Even now with a different Texas landscape, four growing children, a backyard, my own laundry room, and a wonderful community, I feel designated boundaries with my resources. My heart still longs for more time and larger space, revealing my never-ending, misplaced desires.
I’m reminded that all that I’ve been given is a designated inheritance by a good Father, no matter how much or how little.
He did not give the same amount of resources to each tribe nor to us. He simply asks that we seek him, cling to him, and trust him for our protection, our clarity, and our purpose with what he gives.
If you find yourself struggling with boundaries of health, family, or finances in this season, remember Joshua and the Israelites. Remember the character of our generous God. If God saw it good to draw boundaries in the promised land, of all places, then the boundaries around you and me are for our good as well.
May our hearts learn to declare in adoration and gratitude these words.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Proverbs 16:5-8 NIV