Simplicity

A simple weed growing against a wood fence

Sometimes the simplest things catch my eye. Just like in this photo, a simple weed is growing against the simple wood fence. Nothing special, nothing earth-shattering, yet lovely in this, its simplicity. Green, white, and yellow, only three colors against a wood grain that has an interesting look, and a simple design.

Do you ever find that this is exactly what you crave? A less complicated, less stressful, less busy lifestyle? We all know that in today’s world, that would be difficult to accomplish. But we can look for ways to simplify our lives, our homes, our routines. We can organize, give away, share, sell, or throw out items we no longer need.

Our spiritual lives are like this, too. It’s good to take a heart-inventory now and then. What needs to be simplified in our thinking, in our schedule, in our routines? Do we have time for the things of His kingdom, of His will? Do we have time to read God’s Word, pray, and meditate? Do we need to get rid of any habit or form of speech? Do we need to give away any of our plans and replace our ideas with His wishes? Do we share our blessings with others?

Just like God has always taught me to be observant of the beauty that He places on my path, that is His desire in our lives, also. So this week, as you are out, I encourage you to look for simple ways to soak up God’s presence, to see the beauty that is before you in creation, in your children, your loved ones, your friends, and in all your relationships, and to count every simple blessing. Simplicity is a gift of the heart. And when we appreciate God and His love, you‘ll find that He is simply amazing!

A Bible Study:

• Simply Seek the Lord: Jeremiah 29:13, Hebrews 11:6, Deuteronomy 4:29, Psalms 119:2, and Proverbs 8:17

• Simply Pray: Psalm 145:18, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42, John 5:14, Jeremiah 33:3, and Psalm 5:3

• Simply Ask for Wisdom: Ephesians 1:17-18, Phillipians 4:6-7, and Matthew 7:7-8

• Simply Worship: John 4:24, Psalm 95:6, Hebrews 12:28, and Psalm 66:17

• Simply Read the Word: Psalm 119:105, Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8, and Proverbs 4:20-22

Dear Lord, teach me the gift of simplicity, and any area of my life that I need to simplify (career, church, community, my busy schedule) so that I may hear and obey Your voice quickly and obediently. Amen.

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©