A few weeks ago, my family went to visit a gorgeous park in the area. It had grassy hills to tumble down, beautiful, mature trees to provide shade, flowers to admire, and even a stream running through it. The kids could’ve played there happily for days.
But the thing they loved most about this park?
The fence.
Why?
Because the boundary of the fence allowed them to run, play and explore as much as they wanted within that limit.
The limit gave them freedom.
As I was watching them play, I couldn’t help but think of how God gives us boundaries in life for the very same reason.
People who don’t quite understand the depth of our connection with Jesus might see all those limits in the Bible and think, “That sounds like a lot of rules!” But, you know what? When we really dig into the reasons behind those boundaries, it hits us: they’re not chains holding us back; they’re actually setting us free!
Just like how that fenced park keeps my kids safe, our heavenly Father’s boundaries shield us from harm and guide us to a life of abundance. In John 8:32, Jesus says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we embrace the truths in God’s Word, we find a deep sense of freedom.
God’s rules aren’t here to cramp our style or ruin our fun. They’re like a guardian for our hearts, minds, and souls, steering us toward the awesome life He’s planned for us. So, within these boundaries, we’re actually living free and soaking in the incredible love and grace of our Savior.
As we surrender our lives to Christ, we discover something amazing. Within His loving guidance, we’re free to dive deep into His love and grace. We can chase our God-given passions, make choices that align with His will, and truly live life to the fullest.
Our journey with Christ? It’s not a heavy burden, but a joyful adventure! When we stick to the boundaries of His truth, we break free from sin’s traps and the emptiness of the world. Our lives become a beautiful testament to Him, and we experience a kind of freedom that’s unique to Christ alone.
We become like little children playing freely in the sunshine without a care in the world, because they know they’re safe inside the fence.
Let’s pray for wisdom and discernment to walk within His truth, so we can savor the freedom of a surrendered life.
Melinda Bridgman
Digital Channel Manager, STAR 99.1
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Beautiful
Love this reminder, thank you!!
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Jane!
Thank you for reading!
Perfect timing for me to receive this message!!!
Thanks
That’s wonderful to hear, thank you, Calvin!
This is beautifully said!! May God use these thoughts in many people’s lives!
Amen!
I absolutely loved this. It was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your kind words!
Beautiful message, Melinda!
Thank you, Nancy!
In following Our LORD I find protection & FREEDOM. I think I always understood that the sins of the world are harmful & in following the LORD & obeying Him I felt safe & secure. As I came to follow the LORD in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal & then as a Secular Franciscan in St. Adalbert’s fraternity I came to appreciate life as an adventure & a journey!
I often think about what I might say if someone was considering following Jesus, but, was discouraged by thinking about all of the things they would not longer be able to do- all the “rules”. I think I would keep it simple. Jesus is not asking you to give anything up. He is not asking you to join a formal religion. He is asking for a relationship with you. Once you consistently draw near to him with prayer and by studying the bible, you will be transformed. Slowly but surely you will be convicted to stop doing all of the things you thought you would miss- things that are not supporting your partnership with the Lord.
That is a great point as well, Mike! Walking in faith isn’t really about the rules at all.