Unrushed Living: Embracing Simplicity and Savoring Life's MomentsSample

Simplicity: Finding Fulfillment

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 NKJV

Someone had introduced her to that television show where joy was the reason to keep something, and the lack of joy suggested that you give it away. It was work. But little by little, her home was becoming a place of peace. It was shocking how little she really needed to be content. And just as shocking to realize how the clutter had added to her angst. Joy was at her fingertips, and as she prayed each day, God was giving her the heart to love it that way.

Whoever told us that fulfillment comes in boxes off a delivery truck? Where did we get the idea that “add to cart” was the best way to get a burst of dopamine and a sense of peace? Certainly not from God, the One who has absolutely everything and only wants one thing: our hearts. The Source of every treasure wants us to find all of our contentment in Him. Yes, everything was made for our enjoyment (I Timothy 6:17). But we were the ones made for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11 KJV)—and if we are His greatest joy, then He is definitely ours! Spend some time considering what surrounds you in your home and life. Does it add to your true fulfillment, or distract you from it? Does it make you thankful that God is in your life, or is it a tool to keep your mind and senses occupied on other things? There’s no shame in making the choice to keep or get rid of something. God knows your heart, and He is helping you align perfectly with the beautiful, contented human He designed you to be.

God,

I want to pray for a simple heart. A heart that seeks contentment in simplicity. May You teach me how to value having a humble spirit and appreciate the beauty of less rather than always wanting more. Remove the desire for unnecessary things in my life and begin to replace it with a spirit of gratefulness. May every blessing that comes my way keep me humble.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.