Women’s Devotion: Boundaries

I have discovered a new podcast titled Mantra, hosted weekly by Jemma Sbeg. In the podcast, Jemma presents a mantra that she encourages listeners to contemplate throughout the week. Often, the mantra resonates with what I need. This week’s mantra, “I Honor My Boundaries,” particularly impacted me personally and seemed to relate directly to our Lenten practices as well.

The idea of setting boundaries is popular, prompting many to take time for themselves. I’ve often dismissed this, but as I’ve matured, it has made more sense. Like anyone reading this, I face external pressures from work, children, parents, spouse, household chores, volunteer positions, etc. It’s increasingly clear that setting boundaries is necessary. The model for this is the life of Jesus, which we can reflect on in these final weeks of Lent. In his final days, Jesus showed us the importance of restraint and staying true to his purpose.

As Jennifer Slattery wrote, Jesus set boundaries in three significant ways:

1. Jesus regularly refueled by withdrawing from crowds to spend time in prayer and reflection.
2. Jesus said “no” when necessary, such as when Martha asked him to correct Mary or when he was asked to perform miracles for the crowd.
3. He didn’t allow toxic people to disrupt his plans. He resisted temptation, even from Judas who betrayed him, remaining steadfast in love.

Reflecting on these three examples, we can examine our own lives and discern where boundaries need to be set. What areas of your life could benefit from clearer boundaries? What is holding you back? Proverbs 4:23 advises us, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” When was the last time you set a solid boundary around your heart? Did it make space for more of God’s love?

I pray that you can honor your boundaries this week, leaving room for prayer and reflection as Jesus did in the Garden.