Honoring Our Limits

​ ADMITTING OUR LIMITS

Tiny lambs frolicking in vibrant green pastures spark joy in my soul. This annual sign of springtime makes me smile, especially after months of gray skies and bone-chilling rain in Western Oregon.

What I witness in verdant fields near my home evokes the imagery of Psalm 23. Just as a shepherd nurtures his flock, the Lord ensures our well-being as we trust in His care. Like the sheep, we are called to fully rely on our shepherd, especially in places where we feel most insufficient.

Those of us living with chronic pain, chronic illness, and mental illness know what it means to need help. Whether it’s medications and treatment or adaptations related to nutrition, environment, and transportation (and more!), we require a wide range of assistance. On a deeper level, we need God’s enabling to admit and adhere to limits imposed by our unique situations.

Too often, I equate the idea of limit with lack. Admitting that my physical and social capacity is no longer what it used to be leaves me feeling that I am not enough. As a result, the shadow of shame hovers over boundaries I must observe to optimize my health.

OUR LIMITATIONS DO NOT LIMIT GOD

In This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers, author K.J. Ramsey observes, “The subtext of our suffering is shame—the dreadful sense that we are inadequate to deal with our lives.” Those words shed light on things I tend to hide … underlying feelings of failure related to my limits.

Ramsey also notes that Scripture “… offers a way to step into another story, where God pursues us with love … and unites us to a power greater than our weaknesses.”

The following verses offer a glimpse of liberating truth:

The Lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore, I hope in Him. (Lamentations 3:24)

Our limitations do not limit God. Chronic illness challenges do not diminish His care. As a loving Good Shepherd, He offers grace for the parameters necessary to optimize our lives.

For me, that includes exercising consistently, abiding by dietary restrictions, and taking a regimen of supplements. It also means keeping social interactions to quiet settings and short durations, minimizing travel, continuing with medical treatments, and canceling plans rather than trying to push past rough pain days.

A counselor friend offers wise advice for communicating this reality to others. Rather than repeatedly apologizing and absorbing self-imposed guilt, I can express disappointment. For example, when opting out of an event that I know will be loud, I can tell the host, “I’ll miss being with the group and hope to connect another time in a calmer context.”

Chronic Joy’s printable resource Self-Care: Body and Community offers additional practical wisdom for honoring our limits. I have found it helpful and invite you to explore its ideas.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You understand the shame, frustration, and fear born of our weaknesses. Please help us trust in Your promised care and honor the limits we need. Thank You that nothing can thwart Your love and good plans. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What are your limits related to chronic health struggles?
• Which are most challenging to honor?
• How might shame be a factor in your perspective?
• Where can you find encouragement in Scripture?