A Prayer for Healthy Boundaries - Your Daily Prayer - April 19

A Prayer for Healthy Boundaries
By Debbie McDaniel

Life is precious. Yet all too often, we may find that much of our time is spent around negative, toxic people, draining the life right out of us. Sometimes they’re co-workers, friends, or sadly, even family members.

God never intends for us to spin our wheels, waste our days, trying to make others happy who can never be happy. Because in reality, it doesn’t depend on us. It’s not up to you. They may want you to think it does, as if you possess the power to improve the value of their existence, but that’s not a burden meant for you to carry.

God’s greatest desire is to set us free. And sometimes what propels that change is for some brave soul to be willing to say, “Stop, no more.” One who will choose what is better, and learn to set boundaries that will protect and limit the control an unhealthy person might be placing on another’s life.

Sadly, when we look deep into the mirror of our souls, we may realize that we are the ones who have some unhealthy tendencies that God wants to change. Today’s a good day to stop wasting time in toxic patterns of living. For he has better in store for us.

He can accomplish great things through your prayers. He can move mountains. He can change hearts. Anything is possible through his great power. Understand that though it is never up to you to make someone different, he’s set you in their lives for a purpose, for a reason.

He loves you, he cares for you, and he has good in store for your future.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” ( John 8:36).

Let’s Pray:

Lord, 

Protect me from the abuse and harm of toxic people. I know you desire to set me free—free from the hurt of others, but also free from my own sin and bondage in that sin. Help me have eyes to see toxic behavior around me and in me… and give me the strength, courage, and resilience to break free from that toxicity and choose the path of life. Thank you for always protecting and guiding me Lord. Thank you for always being good, gracious, kind, and loving.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Debbie McDaniel is a pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids and a few too many pets, dramatist and writer. Debbie invites you to join her at www.freshdayahead.com.

Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.

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Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.

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