“Internal boundaries strengthen the connection between the sacred place inside your soul and various parts of yourself. . . . we call this process of creating healthy boundaries within your soul ‘Spirit-led self-discipleship.’ “- Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I have.”- Romans 7:15 (NLT)
In their Introduction to Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies, coauthors Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller note that all of us can be overtaken by extreme thoughts and feelings at times. Yet, just as we possess the ability to set external boundaries with others, we’re able to set internal boundaries with the overwhelming parts of ourselves.
Most noteworthy, the Bible contains more than three hundred verses that relate to boundaries. In fact, the apostle Paul described his own conflict with internal boundaries in Romans 7:15. Furthermore, Boundaries for Your Soul focuses on this universal struggle.
Therefore, healthy internal boundaries empower you to live from the essential you, meaning your soul in its purest, holiest state. As a result, Alison and Kimberly state, the work of building strong internal boundaries involves:
- practicing the presence of God while at the same time becoming attuned to the parts of yourself needing your attention
- inviting the Holy Spirit into the farthest reaches of who you are
In addition, the authors stress, internal challenges – anger, guilt, unforgiveness, etc. – require your attention. Otherwise, you’ll end up overwhelmed and unnecessarily hurting others. For when you hurt inside, it’s hard to be good to others.
Today’s question: What sense of urgency do you feel to create healthy internal boundaries? Please share.
Coming Monday: the latest Short Meditation, “Restored and made right – I’ve got Jesus!
Tomorrow’s blog: “Mature love = extending hospitality”