Dr. Leo Marvin: I want some peace and quiet!
Bob Wiley: Well, I’ll be quiet.
Siggy: I’ll be peace!
From What About Bob?
(Go here to watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBHi9LcfN4)
Peace and quiet are the precious by-products of simplicity. Once we have decluttered both our spaces and our schedules, we find more room in our lives for the people, priorities, and passions that matter most to us. We are no longer hanging on to every last memory or memento from a lifetime of experiences. We are ready to let go of the excess- including the baggage and guilt of the past- and to open our hearts and lives up to each new day God gives us. The One who created the universe is certainly able to create “beauty from ashes”- a life filled with love, joy, and peace.
A life of simplicity is one where we have made peace with our past and found peace in our present, allowing us to be at peace in every situation.
Life will still produce times of trouble and trial for all of us, but we have this promise: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
When our lives have margin and our calendar has white space, we are able to experience the peace of simplicity in the newfound quiet moments of our day. No longer are we rushing from one “commitment” to another; we are free to simply “be still and know that I am God.” He is ultimately in control of our days; He has numbered each one, like the hairs on our heads. And He gives us yet another promise:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
When we learn to simply rely on Him for our “daily bread,” we find that He is more than sufficient to provide. But, He also goes above and beyond our basic needs to give us “the desires of our hearts.” We can stop striving for power, recognition, acclaim, and instead, put all of our hopes and our cares in His hands.
Will you let Him do that for you? Will you lay aside all of the to-do’s and have to’s and simply sit at His feet, as Mary did? Will you find your peace in Him- quiet for your weary soul, rest for your busy life? True simplicity- and peace- is only found in Jesus Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Click here to listen to one of my favorite hymns (“It Is Well With My Soul”) sung by one of my favorite bands, The Innocence Mission.
(If you love their music as much as I do, you can click on the image below to purchase the CD; as an Amazon associate, I will receive a small commission from your purchase.)
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