7 inspiring Ways to Thrive Within Our Boundaries in Life - Jeanne Takenaka

How many of us chafe at our boundaries in life?

(Be sure to read to the end, as there’s an announcement!)

On vacation this past summer, I spied a sign that said, “Stay in your lane.” We were driving through a construction zone with solid white lanes bordering our vehicle.

This simple sign challenged me to consider what it means to “stay in my lane.” I’ve drifted into other lanes several times in my life, and it always happened when I took my eyes off of God and placed them somewhere else.

Maybe I focused on what was happening in a friend’s life, or I was too busy to take time to be still before God so I would know His best plan for me.

When we drive, lanes show us where to aim our cars. They provide boundaries that get us where we need to go safely. We’ve all witnessed drivers swerving into a different lane while on their phones. Maybe we’ve been the ones who got distracted by something outside the window and veered into someone else’s lane.

When driving, it’s crucial we stay in our lanes to lessen the chance of injuring someone else. What about in life?

God places boundaries in our lives to guide us on His ideal path. But choosing to be content to remain in the lane God has us in, especially when our eyes stray to what’s happening in someone else’s lane, can challenge us.

7 inspiring Ways to Thrive Within Our Boundaries in Life—God places boundaries in our lives to guide us on His ideal path #boundaries #tellhisstory #contentment Click To Tweet

What tempts us to drive out of our lanes?

Distractions

Maybe we’re distracted by some good thing going on in someone else’s life. Perhaps we’re literally distracted by screens— phones, computers, television. Many things can distract us from remaining focused and staying in our lane.

Wanting what we want more than what God wants for us.

In some of my life seasons, God had me in the “infertility lane.” I chafed, researched how to get out of that lane, and tried to switch to a different path. But God, in His goodness, had some important lessons I could only learn by accepting His boundaries in life at that time.

Wishing for a different story for our lives

Whether we wish this because of regrets from past choices or circumstances that seem too painful in the present, this discontentment will guide us off-course from God’s best for us.

Insecurity and comparison

Either one of these lures us to focus on ourselves rather than on God. Both leave us unhappy and unsettled. They may lead us to try to switch lanes when God doesn’t want us to.

Why should we live within our boundaries in life as we understand them?

My simple answer is when we trust God more than ourselves, our lives will be richer.

7 inspiring Ways to Thrive Within Our Boundaries in Life—why live within God's boundaries for us? when we trust God more than ourselves, our lives will be richer. #boundaries #tellhissstory #trustgod Click To Tweet

When we believe we know what’s best for us, we shortchange God’s omnipotent wisdom. We discredit the good plans He has for our lives.

But when trusting God guides us to accept His white lines in our lives, we will know peace. It’s not usually easy, but it’s always worthwhile to trust God’s boundaries in life.

How to thrive with boundaries in life

What helps you may be slightly different from what helps me, but here are a few general thoughts for staying in our own lane:

Mindsets

• Accept that God knows better than we do. If we say we are Christians, we have chosen obedience to the One who loves us most.
• Pray fervently. When we long to have different boundaries in life, it’s good to pray about this. God wants us to come to Him with what’s on our hearts. Prayer opens intimate communication with our Father.
• Seek godly counsel. If we’re struggling with where we are in life, it’s wise to talk with a trusted someone to gain a different perspective.
• Always read God’s word. Especially when we’re discouraged about where we’re at in life, His life-giving words refresh our hearts and minds, renew our perspective, and remind us of God’s love for us.

Heartsets

• Gratitude. God’s word tells us to have a heart of gratitude. When we thank the Lord for where He’s showing up in our lives, our focus is off of us and on Him. Gratitude also helps us remember God’s faithfulness to us.
• Remember, there’s a bigger story than what we see at the moment. God is a multi-faceted God. We’re only capable of seeing our current situation, and even that is confined by each moment. The Lord knows the bigger picture of what He’s working in our lives and the impact this will have on the lives around us. This leads to the next step.
• Determine to trust God, even when we don’t like where we are. When we believe He sees beyond the right now—He sees behind and ahead of us—we can believe He will bring about His best for us . . . if we trust Him more than ourselves.

Conclusion

On vacation, those solid white lines defined each lane. Though some people crossed them to change lanes, we chose to trust that it was safer to stay where we were, even if we thought we knew what was ahead of us. And we arrived at our destination safe and eager for the day’s experiences.

Ultimately, the best truths to hold onto when living within boundaries in life include remembering God is faithful. He is good. His plan for us is perfect. When we believe these things, we will trust Him, even when we may not understand why the Lord has us where He does. And God honors that trust.

What about you? What have you learned when hemmed in by boundaries in life? How do you choose to trust God more than yourself?

***Beginning next week (on November 7th), the Tell His Story link-up will move over to Andrew’s place. The link-up will open each Tuesday at 5:00 Mountain Time. He’s got some great posts coming up. Those who know Andrew, know he’s a great encourager. For those who haven’t stopped by his blog home yet, I think you’ll find yourself challenged and uplifted by his words!

Thanks for being so encouraging over the years. I am thankful for the connections made as the Tell His Story hostess. I’m looking forward to staying connected on my personal blog. I’ll continue posting on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays each month. Let’s stay in fellowship!

Come share your story at the Tell His Story linkup. Connect and be encouraged by like-minded friends! #tellhisstory #linkup Click To Tweet

Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.

Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.