Boundaries

He has inscribed a horizon on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.

Job 26:10 CSV

The same neighbor’s cow from last year returned this spring to graze in my hay meadow. For days, she casually crossed fences between pastures leaving broken wires and leaning fence posts. She became known as the infamous “renegade cow” as multiple folks attempted to corral her. My brother finally explained the problem. “Once a cow learns a fence is only a psychological barrier/boundary rather than a real one, there’s no longer any way to keep them in a pasture. You might as well haul them to the auction barn!” 

I remember my first introduction to the concept of boundaries. Henry Cloud, the coauthor of the book, Boundaries, discussed the topic on a radio interview. The book and workbook quickly found a prime spot on my bookshelf. It was, and continues to be, a life-changing principle for me. “The concept of barbed wire fences as only psychological barriers” prompted me to consider the psychological boundaries in my own life—my thoughts, values and opinions. I was also curious to discover how the Bible addressed boundaries.

A quick search revealed 149 verses in scripture that referenced a variety of other types of boundaries, including the verse in Job that pointed to the ocean’s horizon as a boundary between the bright sky above and the darkness of the deep below. 

I’ve also grown more sensitive to the “spiritual boundaries” the Lord put in place for me as His child. These boundaries embrace and define my beliefs and the living out of those beliefs. They define my doctrine, relationships, morality and what does or does not become an idol. Truly, boundaries protect the very health of my soul. 

These parameters for living provide security and confidence for surviving in this chaotic world. I can confidently say, “I know God is taking care of me and fencing me in green pastures with His boundaries.” I want to respect them. After all, I don’t want to be shipped off to the auction barn—which is exactly what happened to that renegade cow! You might keep an eye out for her if you’re driving country roads in East Texas. I’m certain she walked right through the fence at her new home to explore what I'm sure appeared to be greener pastures!

Linda Les