Listen

The Lord is merciful and righteous; our God is compassionate. The Lord protects simple folk; he saves me whenever I am brought down. I tell myself, You can be at peace again, because the Lord has been good to you.

Psalm 116:5-7

Think

“Living simply” has become very complicated. It seems that everywhere you look, you can find opinions on how best to live simply: what things you should make (hint: all of them), what things you should buy (if you must), or how you should live in order to live a simpler life. They always seem to take a lot of time, money, and effort. It’s a bit counter-productive: “Living Simply” is simply too complicated.

A simpler life is something that most of us want. But when it seems out of reach, instead of trying another day, we beat ourselves up about it.

Here in this Psalm, though, “simple people” are just folks who remember that God has been there for them. Whatever else happens throughout your day, remembering that God has been and will be there is the simplest thing you can do.

Simplicity might not be a status to achieve but a way to treat ourselves: with the same kindness, mercy, and compassion that God shows us.

Allie Scott

Pray

Surround me with your mercy and compassion, O God, that I might even grant some to myself. Amen.

Go

I’m here, God. Send Me.

from Isaiah 6:8