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Boundaries Create Wonder, Discovery, and Protection

On day two of creation, God separated water into two spaces. The Bible Background Commentary tells us that this separation of the expanse regulates climate. Ancient Near-Eastern cultures viewed the cosmos as a three-tiered structure consisting of the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. Climate originated from the heavens, and the expanse was seen as the mechanism that regulated moisture and sunlight. Their understanding was different than we would describe it today, but God, in his wisdom, was setting discovery into motion.

He put some water in the heavens that would eventually become rain and some on the land in oceans, seas, rivers, creeks, ponds, and lakes. He spoke into being what we would later discover and name "the water cycle."

God is supremely wise and created the world with boundaries and systems that would cultivate curiosity and produce elation as humans discovered them. Isn't it interesting that the discoveries we have made about the water cycle or the moon's magnetic control of the tides all came from the creative mind of God? Isn't it majestic that water knows where to go and how and when to stay within its boundaries? God knew that boundaries are necessary and loving. He built them into his creation for us to discover. Discovering creation's boundaries can help us understand how to apply them in our daily lives.

Question: Where might you need to craft boundaries that enable you to engage with God more personally? Have you been successful in implementing limits in the past?

Prayer: Spend a moment asking God for the courage to walk within the boundaries he has set for you. Consider the good God intended to come from those boundaries. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you think of ways to stick to your set boundaries.