This is one of those devotions which seem rather innocuous…then…BAM! a 2×4 right upside the head. He starts out with a familiar thought which has been expressed plenty of times during this year only in slightly different ways:
I will never find fulfillment of heart on the far side of rebellion. True rest of heart is always found in submission to the Savior.
Fulfillment = rest = submission to the Savior.
Emptiness = distress = my own kingdom/my own way.
I am guilty-perhaps even more so- of falling for the lie of the enemy that fulfillment can be found outside of the Savior. I have- in spite of my best efforts at times- pursued things of this kingdom. Sometimes no matter the cost. Maybe that’s why the real slam is his statement: “Real rest of heart is never found on the other side of the Creator’s boundaries.” I push those boundaries sometimes. Stretching them. Like the dog on a hidden fence. Go to the edge. But I also realize those boundaries are there for my good. I’m not my sovereign; I don’t get to make my own rules. May that which is beyond my boundaries lost its attraction.
“Father, I try to stretch those boundaries. I try to establish my kingdom/my rules. Forgive me for that. Help me to stop trying to find fulfillment and rest outside of you.”
There is no rest or fulfillment outside of the Lord. Blessings, Bill!
Agreed Martha. Thanks
No doubt there are times where I am a boundary dweller. One miss-step away from being outside of the perimeter that God’s has designed me to live within. There are times I skirt the perimeter hoping to find an opening that will allow me to be guilt free while still pursuing my own desires. The problem is, before I have even stepped over the boundary, my mind was already there.
I can see why the Pharisees established so many extra rules…To put a buffer between themselves and the boundary, though they lived under the law, they still missed the point.
God wants me to obey not out of moral obligation, He wants me to obey because I have put Him ahead of me. He wants me to obey because I want to.
Much like a parent with kids, I can see the difference when my kids are compliant because they know it is right and they are actively trying to do that which is right.
The flip-side is when my kids are obeying just simply to stay out of trouble. They become boundary dwellers.
My prayer for today is that I want to ask God to help me not be a boundary dweller. Help me to be in the center of His will.
I also believe that God really has established the boundary for me, not him… It is not some arbitrary line, it is a line that will allow me to be the best that I can truly be.
I agree Ryan. God has established the boundary for me not for Him. i also believe God wants my obedience because I love Him and want to put Him ahead of me and my agenda. Thanks for the comment.
Timely post, brother. So easy to get distracted….
Thank you Floyd and yes it is.