More than a writer, I’m a thinker. My brain is constantly active- digging, absorbing, sorting, putting together, observing, etc. Etc.
As a thinker, I like details. I like to organize them all and fit them together to create a big, powerful picture. I love making points that lead up to a concept that sticks. And I suppose, as a writer, that’s a good thing.
But sometimes, my best writing is my simplest.
Sometimes, my best…anything…is simple.
My best worship is often a single lyric stuck on my lips, stuck on repeat. My best witness is often a sincere sentence spoken in regular conversation about ordinary things. My best praise is often a simple “thank you” thought-prayed to the Lord who knows what I’m referring to.
Though there is certainly a place for going in-depth, I think simple really is more powerful than we often realize. Click To TweetSome of the most powerful words in Scripture are the simplest- so simple a child could understand them.
“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.“
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” –Colossians 3:17
In fact, the Gospel, the good news that leads to salvation through Christ, is simple enough to be shared around the world, in a few sentences, in every language, and in any circumstance.
While it’s important to dig in deep, there’s also grace and growing that happens in the little. When we read His Word for a few moments, we can take in just a simple line and be grown by it. A simple prayer can change our perspective. Simple blessings can boost our faith.
Following Christ’s example, I’m believing that when my best is really simple, God makes it more than enough.
<A version of this was previously posted here>
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LINKUP is open! We often think that more is better & complicated is deep. Today, my friend @BethanyMcIlrath invites us to think again. Sometimes, the simplest verses and shorter prayers are filled with power. Join us? Click To Tweet
I love this, and it’s so true. So often it’s the simplest truths and blessings that have such a major impact.
Yes! So grateful for the simple things. Thanks for joining in today!
I’m a thinker too. With my brain always spinning (and spinning and spinning.) I’m learning to quiet that. But it’s not easy.
Choosing simple helps. From what I do to what I eat. From where I go to what I read. Simple feels good and soul-filling.
Spinning sounds familiar! Thankful for the simple too. You’re right, simple is soul-filling.
Can’t nail the reference, but the words, “Our sufficiency is in Christ,” kept coming to me as I read. I VERY often think that my offering is too small, but of course, that’s mainly because I’m only seeing it from my limited perspective.
Makes me think of Colossians! Yes, things are very different when we don’t stick to our limited perspective! Glad you’re here today, Michele!
Bethany, there is something about the simple which makes it precious and lasting. I don’t remember who said it but I read once that “the simple things are often the most extraordinary, and only the wise can see them.” May we be wise and ask for eyes to see. Blessings!
What a wonderful quote! Thanks, Joanne!
Bethany, you reminded me of when Jesus praised His Father for hiding things from the wise and learned and revealing them to babes. We can miss things when we complicate them. Enjoyed this very much.
What a great passage to think of. Yes! Praise God for uncomplicating things!
Amen! The most powerful worship song I know is Jesus Loves Me!
Amen to that!
Bethany,
I tend to be a very deep thinker…I’m great at pondering, but I think sometimes God would just have me keep it simple. Your post was a great reminder that sometimes simple is simply good enough.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Same, Bev. I’m so glad God would often just have us keep it simple.
God makes it more than enough. That will preach right there. laurensparks.net
He is worthy of our trust! Thanks for joining in!
Bethany, thank you for this reminder. Sometimes we get farther along on the Christian journey or in our faith, and we forget the basics or the most simple parts of Christianity. Like the gospel message and the other wonderful examples you gave of simple AND best that don’t have to necessarily be so in-depth.
It is so easy to forgot the. basics, like you said Karen! Thanks for joining in!