Friday Fight 15 - The Blessing of Boundaries

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in the mind. Today is FF15.

The Blessing of Boundaries:

How often have we wanted to say no to someone, but feelings of guilt consumed us, and we say yes to something we didn’t want to do? This is going to happen at times, but how often is too often? This week’s fight is creating boundaries with our time; doing so dictates what we value most. When we over-commit ourselves, feelings of irritation fester after realizing we don’t have time, so we must guard it. It doesn’t mean we have to decline everything; however, it enables us to look at our schedules and make some changes. A lack of healthy boundaries can add stress, contaminate relationships, instill anger and resentment, and make us question our worth.

How does this happen? Darkness works cleverly with guilt! I was mentoring a young man struggling with some friendships. His close friends were upset and felt rejected by him. We realized his friend visits were one-sided, always at their house. He politely traveled but stopped due to his work schedule and exhaustion; they voiced their feelings. What began as kindness ended in him unknowingly creating unhealthy patterns. It was like pouring into a bottomless glass and depleted him.

Who has grown accustomed to a pattern we established that has come at a high cost in our lives? Serving can quickly become an expectation if we aren’t careful. His pattern catered to them, but they never saw it. He felt his time was not respected, causing emotional depletion while all questioned their value—darkness definitely at work.

How do we fight? Please look at your time; it’s precious and needs protecting. Relationships are precious; preserve the time it takes for them to grow. Be selfish about your time with God. Let go of guilt; it is not of God. Do not believe that tomorrow is guaranteed and overcommunicate how you feel. Thank God for each day; each one is a gift, then pray about the best way to utilize the gift God has given you.

Psalm 90:12.

Pastor Shannon

New Life Church