(in)courage - Courageous Simplicity: Abide in the Simple Abundance of Jesus

f inding the f reedom and p eace y ou l ong f or

I m just so tired .

How often have you uttered those words? Perhaps you look at the cluttered state of your home or your overcrowded schedule and long for space to breathe. Maybe your mind spins thinking about the needs in front of you or the dreams inside you, and hard as you try, so many things are still left undone. There are meetings and events and complicated relationships, running nonstop, chasing after want-tos and have-tos and unyielding expectations of others (and self). Oh, the constant expectations that never relent. Who has a moment to rest?

No wonder were all so tired.

Our lives are complicated, fast-paced spectacles of never-ending multitasking. Technology demands constant access to us, begging for instant replies to every bing-bong alert. The scrolling pull of social media promises greater inspiration and deeper connectionbut mostly leaves us empty, dissatisfied, longing.

Mother Teresa said, The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are. Her words ring true in a deep place in our heartsyet we still wonder whether we can actually live with less. Not just fewer possessions but fewer responsibilities and distractions. Is it even possible? Its an honest question to ask as we begin this study on courageous simplicity.

When we hear the word simplicity , often the first thing we think about is decluttering our garages, basements, and kids rooms. For some of us, the Amish come to mind, and we desire the simpler lifestyle that community represents. We want to be free of all the frazzle and frenzy that seem to crowd our homes, workplaces, and schedules.

Less chaos. More peace. Is living this kind of good and simple life really within reach?

While organizing our homes and schedules is certainly a praiseworthy goal that can bring relief to our external turmoil, thats not the whole of simplicity. Simplicity isnt cleared countertops or an empty calendar. It goes much deeper than decluttering. It goes to the heart of our faith. Biblical simplicity calls for a courageous step toward pursuing a pure and simple devotion to Godkeeping Him and His plans for our lives first in our hearts. Simplicity, very simply, comes from within.

Proverbs 13:7 tells us that a pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life (MSG). This study is all about what that simple and full life actually looks like and how Jesus meets us in it.

Simplicity isnt for the weak of heart. In fact, it calls for us to be on guard against the enemy of our souls. Paul wrote, I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3 NASB). It takes courage to live with eyes open to Gods presence and heart surrendered to His leading.

Embracing simplicity doesnt mean we will never experience difficulties or overwhelming challenges. It means we choose to live with growing trust that God is in control of it all. With Christ as our guide, we can say, It is well with my soul.

As you train in the spiritual practice of simplicity over the next six weeks, you will discover the God who loves you lavishly and wants to show you how to live present to His perfect peace. You will uncover biblical principles to help you embrace that you are enough and have enough in Him.