Living Within God’s Boundaries
The first year my Pastor husband was in seminary we had 4 jobs between the two of us to make ends meet. The second year we thankfully bumped down to 2 jobs. After seminary we added children to the mix and moved across several states; his job hours increased, and my job hours decreased. Five years later when we moved again, the cost of childcare was equal to what I could earn. We decided to live on one income, whatever my husband brought home, that would be it. We dove into tight budgeting, thrifty shopping, making do and doing without.
Our current culture is big on padding one’s resources. We are encouraged to get a side hustle, donate plasma for pocket change, play the lottery and/or apply for yet another credit card. The idea of making do or doing without seems a bit un-American. We’ve become consumed with ease and comfort and having it all.
1 Chronicles 16 Review
The Israelites had been living in the ease and comfort of the Promised Land for some time, the land God had given them, blessing them with abundance. In 1 Chronicles 16, we read David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving. He is celebrating the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and the wonder of God dwelling in their midst. David reveals four concepts that can help us focus on God and not the things of this world. We’ve talked about three of them over the last several weeks: giving God the credit; expressing joy through gratitude and worship because God is in control; and knowing God intimately. Today let’s investigate the fourth concept: living within God’s boundaries.
Life Within God’s Boundaries
David mentions in 1 Chronicles 16:14 that God’s judgements govern the whole earth, in verse 31 he declares that God reigns, and in verse 33 he tells us that God is coming to judge the earth. God is the one in control; God is the one who sets the laws and the parameters for life. Just like my husband and I had to live within a very distinct budget, God sets distinct boundaries for our life with Him.
For many of us, the idea that someone has set limits for us is annoying. We want to make our own choices and determine our own fate. Perhaps the Israelites had a similar struggle because David reminds them of God’s goodness. He directs them to remember God’s covenant with them (v 15); he mentions God’s protection and provision (v18-22); and he challenges them to proclaim God’s salvation every day (v23). God’s boundaries were good for the Israelites. Abundance and peace and freedom were found in the confines God set.
Center in on a Smaller View
Do you ever do wordsearches? I’ve discovered that words are easier to find when I look at a small section of the puzzle or if I look for a small combination of letters instead of the longer word. Breaking the puzzle down into a smaller framework makes solving the puzzle easier.
Have you ever looked at things in your back yard or on a hike through the macro setting on a camera? The macro setting allows you to see objects closer. You get a better view, and a better photo of the details found in a flower or an insect or a leaf.
There is something to be said about centering in on a smaller area or idea. I think that’s a bit what God is asking of us. When we listen to Him and live life within the perimeter He sets, we are better able to focus on Him. We begin to discover the wonder of who He is because we aren’t distracted by all the things outside His boundary lines.
Rely on What You Have
When our children were young, and we were living on one income, I became quite adept at finding free things to do within our community. We were rarely lacking for anything fun. A local park had a public water feature that was free to play in; another park had a stream for wading; we made tents in the living room; hiked to a picnic dinner; and slid down the stairs on a cushion. We learned to rely on what we had. When we live within God’s boundaries, God is who we have, and we learn to rely on Him.
Living within God’s boundaries enables us to see Him more clearly. Our focus narrows and becomes more direct; we are not distracted by what the world says is significant. As we center on the details of who God is we are held in wonder that He, God Almighty, dwells with us. We learn He is the one who saves us, who delivers us, and we can rely on Him.
Live in Wonder that God Dwells with Us
David tells us in 1 Chronicles 16:34 that God is good. I pray that you believe the boundary lines he draws for you are for your best. You can rest there. There is wonder in knowing God dwells with us. May you focus and truly see Him: give Him all the credit, express joy to Him, know Him intimately and obediently live within the borders He sets for you.
Boundary line photo by Raphael Mittendorfer on Unsplash
Nancy,
So proud of you and challenged to seek, trust and follow the Lord’s perfect plan no matter the cost. Love you! 💕🎈
I’m so glad how God is speaking to me speaks to you! The Lord’s perfect plan is not always easy; I love the phrasing “seek, trust and follow.” It really does begin with seeking!! (Love you right back!)