Sweet Simplicity

By Belinda

John 12:26 (New International Version)
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

In much of my pursuit of God I have failed to consistently maintain the intimacy of relationship that is implicit in the notion that I am following him.

I know that have only skimmed all that there is to enjoy in him.

How can I know where God is, unless still before him, ready to hear his voice?

Matthew 11:29 (New International Version)
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

This verse has become more real to me as I have made the choice to live more simply. When I hear God's voice I want to be able to respond, instead of being so scheduled and busy that I have no spare room for his commission.

As I move closer to this goal (I am far from there yet,) I am finding that his burden is light and my soul is more and more at rest.

Isaiah 26:13 (New International Version)

13 O LORD, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us,
but your name alone do we honor.

"Other lords" have ruled over me: the lords of recognition; affirmation; greed; desire for prominence and achievement, to name a few. I have been their slave and they my masters.

Psalm 119:32 (New International Version)

32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

But he is setting this slow student's heart free; teaching me the connection between a life of simplicity and room for God; showing me how practicing Sabbath as a choice leads to joyful obedience to the other teachings of Christ: Unselfishness, humility, servant hood and prayer.

1 Timothy 3:16 a (New International Version)
16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:...

Our faith is full of mysterious connections spiritually. One step in a direction and everything shifts...

Comments

Suz said…
This was a wonderful, inspirational post. Thank you.

The part about being over scheduled and too busy really hit home. Why do we do that? I think it's the devil trying to distract us from God.

Your post was a great way to start the day. It brought peace to my soul.
9:48 AM
Belinda said…
Dear Suz,
Thank you for your encouragement. Knowing that God blessed you here, blesses me.
3:32 PM
Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said…
Beautiful post! So blessed that I stopped by...
Joyfully,
Wylie
7:13 PM
Olson Family said…
Challenging and inspiring all the way through. But my favorite line? "One step in a direction and everything shifts..."

Ah, yes! May I remember to keep my heart steadfast on Him today, knowing that He will order my steps. "...and everything shifts..."

Bless you, Belinda!
2:04 AM
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