The Enemy of Simplicity

He knows all hidden things, for He is light, and darkness is no obstacle to Him. DANIEL 2:22 TLB 

There isn’t anything in our lives or any part of who we are that is hidden from God. Knowing that He sees all our imperfections, mistakes, and thoughts and yet loves us unconditionally and unflinchingly is astounding. What Jesus did to prove that love is beyond astounding! That’s our worth in God’s eyes. It can’t be measured. And we couldn’t create an obstacle to keep His light and love from reaching us if we tried. Some days it feels like we’re throwing out one hurdle after another to test it. We fear what we can’t control, we stress what we can’t change, we ignore what we know to be true, and we wear ourselves out in the process. 

We were made to live simple lives, physically and spiritually. God loves us. God has us. If there’s one word He’d like to shout from the heavens, it would probably be RELAX! Too much is the enemy of simplicity. Too much to do. Too much to prove. Too much to attain. Too much fear. Too much comparison, complaining, and trying to control our lives. God wants to help us reach a simpler life with two words: TRUST ME. Oh, how free we would be if we believed without a doubt that we live, move, and have our being in Him! 

We can start right now. We can grip the handle of hope when our trust is under assault. We can pray without ceasing when fear tries to enfold us. We can remove the expectations we put on ourselves and those guided by the world’s standard or opinion. And even on the toughest days, we can go back to the deepest truth: “My spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine for-ever” (Psalm 73:26 NLT). 

Dear God, Reveal every part of me and every area of my life that needs to be simplified. Restore my childlike trust in You and give me courage to let go of anything that keeps me from giving everything to You. 

This is an excerpt from The Campfire is Calling: 90 Warming Devotions for the Simple Life – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.