Many times, I’ve felt caged by circumstances. Like a racehorse trapped at the starting gate, I have, cried, kicked and bashed against the confining boundaries. If only I could run free, I would be happy and satisfied.

My visual is not a pretty picture. Being antsy and frustrated at not being able to do what I want to do, or go where I want to go, have left my little racehorse-self battered and bruised.

Jesus says come to Me and I will give you rest. I picture the Lord sitting and watching from the stands at the race track. I’m having a fit at not being able to run, but then I realize God placed the boundaries around me.

When I was younger and horrible things happened and no one was there to help, my Father God held me close and loved me back to life. During times of illness and surgeries, when I couldn’t do anything, I couldn’t move physically, but my spirit soared in the freedom of His presence. When I felt confined in a new location without friends and family, I discovered more of the friendship and relationship with God.

God’s boundaries have kept me from making bad mistakes and from pursuing things I thought I wanted. His boundaries have kept me from things I thought I was ready to handle, but looking back I see how disastrous that would have been.

I still see myself as a little racehorse enclosed at the starting gate, but now the visual is an enclosure padded with His love. I’m standing, waiting, held tenderly tight in the freedom and unfailing love of God.

Feeling confined? Remember, God’s boundaries are always tender with His love.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB)

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” ~ Psalm 16:6 (NIV)

“You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” ~ Psalm 139:5-6 (NASB)

From We Were Meant for Paradise by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3ITTAOn