Boundary Stones

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places

Psalm 16:6

 Boundary lines are needed. Without boundary lines, how could we play sports or know where to put a fence? Children need boundaries established by their parents to feel secure. Isn’t that true for all of us? Without boundaries, life is confusing at best.

God knows we need boundaries, and He has established many. He set boundaries in marriage, morality, parenting, and even in our thoughts. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). All of God’s boundaries are for our good and His glory.

In the days of Hosea, God’s people didn’t respect God’s boundaries. They rebelled against God and crossed moral and spiritual lines. God said about their political and religious leaders, Judah’s leaders are like those who move boundary stones (Hosea 5:10). The leaders determined that God’s boundaries were too harsh, too restrictive. So, they established new, more inclusive boundaries that were more pleasing to them and their people.

Does that sound familiar? Aren’t many today trying to move God’s boundary stones? People may try to reestablish boundaries, but God’s boundaries are set eternally. What God declares to be right will always be right; what God declares to be wrong will always be wrong,

David said, Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places… (Psalm 16:5-6). Believer, when you and I live within the boundary lines established by God, we experience security, and we also experience joy and fulfillment.

Are you trying to move boundary stones set by God? Are you increasingly incorporating worldly thoughts, beliefs and practices into your life? Will you, instead, seek His help to walk according to His ways? If so, you will discover you are walking in pleasant places.

Lord, show me where I am pushing against your boundaries and give me a heart to obey.

Jan Burkhart