“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV)

A few years ago, as the December days grew colder and shorter, I found myself becoming unanchored.

You might know the feeling: I was slowly slipping back into old behaviors that, in the past, had led to burnout. Exciting opportunities arose that I didn’t want to pass up. Past perfectionistic patterns began to resurface, and I began working more than ever before.

As I rocked my 16-month-old to sleep, I caught a glimpse of the swaddle hanging above her bookcase, imprinted with an interpretation of Esther 4:14 that said, “Perhaps, this is the moment for which you have been created.”

Right then, the pressure that had been building felt as though it might swallow me whole. I had no choice: I couldn’t fail.

At the time, I felt immensely blessed. But I was tired. I was running on adrenaline. And I had no idea how out of alignment I was about to become. I prayed that I could find a way to rest, disconnect from the pressures of work and be more present for my family.

Maybe you’re there today, too, barely hanging on by a thread. Not only are you striving to nail that opportunity and make the next right decision, but you’re also flooded with the pressure to impress your boss, be the best partner to your spouse, keep your kids’ juice cups filled and diapers changed, provide top-notch services to your clients, remember not to lock the dog outside in the rain, keep in touch with your high school bestie, serve at church and text your mom back.

What if I told you it’s possible? You can begin living a life of peace, simplicity, freedom and abundance. Free from the pressure of missing the mark, passing over opportunity, failing the first time or feeling the dreaded FOMO (fear of missing out). What if life could just feel like that four-letter “E” word no one ever talks about? You know, “easy”?

It all begins by drawing the line — setting boundaries and limits in any and every crevice of our lives. Alignment is born from knowing our own boundary lines and fiercely guarding them. Allowing anything to cross those boundary lines will inhibit you from living the life God has available for you, a life of holy fulfillment.

As I held my sleeping child, I closed my eyes to breathe in this passage and slow my pounding heart:

“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:5-11, ESV).

I believe this is God’s definition of drawing the line: standing firm in our limits and stepping into the aligned lives He has available for us.

It looks like this: our lines or boundaries are set in pleasant places, and we trust God’s great provision. A spiritual line connects our hearts to God’s Truth in unshakable faith, secure in His plan and the path He has placed before us — in fullness, joy and even more than we can ever fathom.

How beautiful is that? Is this not the best depiction of God’s promise for you when you seek it?

If, like me, you wonder when you’ll know you’re in alignment with God’s purpose for you, here’s the secret, friend: You will 100% know you are in alignment when, even if life is hard or devastating, your hope in Jesus is not shaken. You know, despite the grief, loss, uncertainty or whatever you are facing, He hasn’t left your side for one minute.

You may want to throw in the towel and doubt His plan, but you know you will be OK in time. And if you’re not OK … God is not done working.

Dear heavenly Father, I come to You today seeking discernment. Help me to prioritize quiet time with You throughout my day. Help me to turn off the noise when it’s tempting to occupy my time with another podcast, another song or another opinion. Help me to find peace in the stillness to become more sensitive to Your direction and what You see as best for me. I trust You will help me discern what next steps are most aligned in my career, family and friendships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you’re craving deeper connection, faith and happiness in a world that celebrates hustle and achievement at the cost of our sanity, then take a deeper look at Kate Crocco’s newest book, Drawing the Line: How to Achieve More Peace and Less Burnout in Your Life.

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For more inspiration and helpful tips, connect with Kate at katecrocco.com or find her on Instagram @katecrocco.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Drawing the Line by Kate Crocco. To celebrate this book, Kate’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, April 4, 2022.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Micah 7:7, “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (ESV)

In what area of your life are you feeling close to burnout? What’s a boundary you can set today to provide some peace? Take a moment to pray for God to help you align your life with His good purposes for you.

© 2022 by Kate Crocco. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Baker Publishing Group for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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