Of Boundaries & Contentment

 By: Joanne Viola

 

Contentment. The word has been on my mind the last week. Contentment brings the image of being satisfied with what one has, or is doing.

It has a deeper significance though. There is a delight, an enjoyment, and pleasure which fills our souls when we are content.

The verse is before me:

“The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.”
(Psalm 16:5-6, NASB)

The verses remind me of the day we moved into our current home. It was situated on half an acre, had flourishing trees, and plantings. Walking along the boundary brought just that – a sense of delight and pleasure. And it still does.

The boundary did not feel restrictive. In fact, it felt just the opposite. All that was within the boundary was ours, provided by God, and our safe place.

Other versions of these verses bring more understanding:

• “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (NIV)
• “Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” (NLT) 
• “Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (HCSB)

This entire psalm focuses on the goodness of God. He is our greatest gift and treasure. God alone provides everything in our lives which brings delight, pleasure, and is pleasant. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and He gives generously to His people (see James 1:17).

What can we learn from these verses in Psalm 16?

• “The Lord is our portion.” More specifically, our allotted portion. This means God knows exactly what is to be ours, or not.
• That which God gives is meant to bless our lives. Several versions tell us it is our “cup of blessing.”
• “You support my lot.” God provides a sense of security to our lives. Protection. Well-being.
  
• We have been given a wonderful inheritance. We are to be good stewards of what we have been provided.

We want to live with contented hearts. God’s provision should satisfy our expectations. We want to let His boundaries be our boundaries.

Staying within the boundaries set by God
will fill our lives with a joy, a peace, a freedom to be ourselves.
Within His boundaries, we will find true contentment.

 

Reflection:
Do you find yourself content at this time? How do you respond to the boundaries God has placed in your life? What do you need to do to be more content?

 

Image by Felix Merler from Pixabay