Weekly Overview:
We serve a God of boundaries. In his limitless capacity, endless creativity, and boundless existence he still chose to create boundaries. He still had vision for what was good, right, pleasing, and perfect. And as children made in his image, we are to live, think, and create as he does. In a world marked by busyness from seemingly infinite opportunities, it’s important now more than ever for us to create boundaries. May you find freedom and joy this week as you receive vision and set boundaries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture:
“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18
Devotional:
The world we live in constantly bombards us with attempts to define who we are and what we should do. Advertisements tell us what we need. Our jobs tell us how we should spend our time and find a sense of self-worth. Our families and friends often define us by what we’ve done or said in the past. And even our churches sadly define us according to how we can best meet the needs of the church rather than getting to know who we truly are.
But we serve a God who knows us even better than we know ourselves. Psalm 139:1-4 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” And then later in verse 16 David writes, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
From the foundation of the earth, God knew he would make us. On the day we took our first breath he already had perfect, pleasing plans for us. He’s known our every thought and looked upon our every action with grace. We could not be more known than we are by our heavenly Father. And there couldn’t be a better guide through the chaos of this life than the Holy Spirit.
To be a person with healthy, life-giving boundaries starts with being a person of vision. And the only place to get true vision is from the only One who truly knows you. God longs to be the north on your compass. He longs to give you honest insight into how he’s made you. He longs to give you a sense of how he sees you and feels about you. And in receiving a revelation of who you are you will be better equipped to follow his leadership into his perfect and pleasing will.
Begin this week of vision and boundaries by meeting with your heavenly Father in prayer. May you be overwhelmed by a fresh revelation of how loved you are—just as you are.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on the simple truth that God truly knows you. Allow Scripture to lead you to a place of faith and trust in God’s knowledge of you.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
2. Ask God to give you a revelation of how he sees you. Ask him for a revelation of his nearness and love. Begin to talk to him about any insecurities you have.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
3. Ask God for a revelation of what he has called you to. Ask him about your role in your family and his calling on your life as a spouse, child, or parent. Ask him for vision for your work. Ask him for vision for your relationship with him. Journal his responses.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Often in my life I feel like a horse with blinders just putting my head down and running as fast as I can to only end up right back where I started. God doesn’t desire to put blinders on us. He doesn’t treat us just as tools to accomplish tasks. He’s about relationship with us. He’s about guiding us in having vision for our lives. He longs to help us see ourselves, this world, and opportunities before us as he does that we might gain wisdom and insight. Choose to be a person of vision. Choose to pick your head up and put on the lens of the Holy Spirit. Ask God questions. Inquire of him about your life and opportunities. And in response he will provide the leadership you need, exactly how you need it.
Extended Reading: Psalm 139
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