God created us with the desire to be in relationship with Him above all else. The discipline of simplicity helps us to carve out space for God in a world filled with distractions. While the world shouts “Buy that, climb this ladder, be consumed by social media,” etc., God says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is impossible to seek God’s kingdom first, when earthly treasures consume us. Through simplicity, in the Spirit’s power, we purposefully remove the internal and external clutter in our lives, preparing ourselves to enter God’s presence with empty hands and a pure heart, ready to fully receive from Him and fully give to others.

“I try to run into God’s arms and give myself to His embrace, but I am holding lots of stuff, and it gets in the way.”

— Ruth Haley Barton

A Prayer for Simplicity

Father, we praise You for Your generous and extravagant love, which You so freely give. With outstretched hands, we receive Your love today and acknowledge that our deepest desire is to be in relationship with You. Create within us holy, selfless hearts. Forgive us for the times we turn to earthly pleasures and affirmation as a measure of satisfaction and validation. We know that You are the only source that can truly satisfy our souls. Please, God, release us of the clutter in our lives, taking all of us and allowing You to have Your way in us, completely. Amen.

Scripture for further Reflection

As you meditate on the following Scripture, consider how you can begin to let go of worldly distractions in exchange for simple, God-ordained desires and pleasures.

• Matthew 6: 25-34
  

Steps to Salvation

The Bible states that God loves you and cares for you as a person (John 3:16). Humankind has been separated from God by sin (Romans 3:23). God sent His Son as a provision for our salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (Romans 5:8). Doing good deeds is not enough (Ephesians 2:8-9), but receiving the free gift of salvation is (John 1:12).

You can invite Jesus Christ into your life right now by praying something like the following:

Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I need your forgiveness and grace. I believe that Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and He died in my place, and He rose from the dead. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sin and making me Your child. Help me to grow and learn how to serve You. Amen.