Have you ever heard people long for “a simpler time?” That’s me. 🙋♀️
I am at the age now where I am longing for something that is simple. I want to know that whatever I’m participating in, consuming, or pursuing is what it is. Meaning: is it true, right, pure, and simple all on its own? Or does it need a filter, a manual, an expiration date, a notification, a subscription, a payment, a performance-enhancing drug, a contract, an app to download, or even batteries?
Let’s be real. At this point, it’s as if we can’t even take a bite of an apple without wondering if we are poisoning our bodies. Am I going to be okay if I can’t buy organic everything or grow all my own stuff? 🥗
I was talking to my daughter yesterday as we washed our fruit, and she was like, “Mom, have you seen that video where they put the strawberries in the solution and show the bugs coming out of the seeds?”
Good grief, No! I don’t want to see it either.
For the love! Just let me enjoy my strawberries.
Except now I can’t.
It seems everywhere, there is some conspiracy to steal the joy out of the beauty and simplicity of our everyday lives. They are calling us to do more, to be afraid, to be vigilant, and to gather more information about what we should and shouldn’t do. It’s exhausting and never-ending. The world is filled with a cloud of noise that actually says nothing at all.
It won’t allow us to feel, reflect, or contemplate. There is no space to consider, grieve, or rejoice. Instead, it marches us in quick step to the next thing to worry about. The cloud of noise fuels worry and mutes praise.
When I sense the cloud of noise descending upon me, I have come to find that I am in the most desperate need of the simplicity of the Gospel.
The truth is, our hearts know and cry out for the Gospel, the testimony of Jesus. (Galatians 4:6) We have a tendency to get interrupted by the things of this world, and begin to conform to its desires, longings, and musings. These seasons in our lives are meant to invite us back into a state of gratitude and simplicity. Lean into them with these two positions: Gratitude and Simplicity
Gratitude destroys pride and complaining. Our thankfulness is a benefit to us. God doesn’t need us to remind Him of what He has done. He already knows. It’s us who need to remind one another of our absolute dependence on Jesus Christ, by Whom everything in heaven and on earth was created. It postures our hearts toward our Provider again as we remind ourselves of all that He’s done for us.
Simplicity tears down the strongholds of fear that manifest in religiosity, power, and greed. Our appetites are insatiable. The simple Gospel story reminds us of what is truly valuable, and that it’s valuable all on its own. There is nothing more that is required. What God accomplished through Jesus is enough.
I’ve sensed this place of invitation, just as I do every season: to Give Thanks and Live Simply.
To that end, I have been meditating on Colossians 1:15-20. It’s the simple story of Christ’s work. It’s a standalone passage, like a prime, rich, aged, fatty steak.🥩 It’s got a straightforward flavor to it. It might take you some time to chew on. But trust me, it’s all the stuff our souls desire to remember. It’s why we cry out Abba, Father. It’s so He’ll remind us again of who He is and how He came, and why we will never run out of things to thank Him for. May it fill your heart with gratitude, with the simplicity of each revelation of his identity.
Colossians 1:15-20
Christ Is Supreme
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.[b] So He is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Do you feel a cloud of noise around you in this season? What is it saying to you?
Have you considered the Gospel story as “simple”? Why or why not?
Our team at Worthy, wishes you the happiest Thanksgiving. May you enjoy the simplicity of this season of gratitude and be filled with hope!
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