Boundary: real or imaginary line that marks the edge or limit of something
The limit of a subject or principle
Limit of what someone considers to be acceptable behavior
Limit: the greatest amount, number or level of something that is either possible or allowed
I don’t know about you but this week was an ah-ha moment when I was reading a book called Boundaries by Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend. The book made reference to people who have experienced trauma that have a hard time setting boundaries where there needs to be and not having boundaries where there doesn’t need to be. I realized what I’ve done wrong with my oldest child and with my failed marriage. I feel like I’ve turned into an infant all over again and am trying to learn to walk when it comes to the areas of boundaries and emotions.
At times the words boundaries and limits are used interchangeably. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prays this prayer that says, “Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! May your hand be with me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!” In another version (BBE: Bible in Basic English), the word boundaries is changed to limits. But today at the gym as I attempted to squat clean 105 pounds, I wondered why I was limiting my ability to do the lift. All the mental conversations that go on during the workout is preposterous! Listening to my body has caused me to set boundaries and limits. If something doesn’t feel right, I’m out of the lift or am scrambling for a knee sleeve. If my lower back is experiencing some discomfort, I’m done with my attempt. But I was setting limits or my level of possibility without attempting to raise the bar so to speak (pun intended).
In the verse above, Jabez is asking for God to move his boundaries. He’s talking about his land but for me, my prayer isn’t to extend boundaries but to help me keep boundaries in place while taking off the limits of what I can do.
And yes, I did squat clean 105 pounds after 4 attempts;)
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