8 October - How To Keep It Simple

Today I was painting when I decided to simplify my approach and only use my fingers to paint. The result surprised me as I watched the colours blend quickly and started to connect more with what I was working on.

It was a reminder of how important it is to keep it simple, or K.I.S.S for short, and that we can be pleasantly surprised when we do.

Keeping it simple means not doing something in a complex or fancy way and making something easy to understand. KISS doesn’t get into much detail in our approach, giving information or constructing a report or presentation. We’re keeping it simple and to the point.

Let’s face it; we tend to complicate things. With so many options and a myriad of things so readily available, we can easily become distracted and caught up in the noise around us or what everybody else is doing. But there is something liberating about keeping things simple, plus it can help to reduce stress and keep us focused on the things and people that matter.

Simplicity is key to living a peaceful and happy life as we focus on what is important and remove what isn’t. Simplicity helps us to recognize what and who we want and to follow God’s leading as he shows us how to get there.

Here are some tips on keeping things simple:

1. Seek Jesus and His ways first. (Matthew 6:33) When we put Jesus first, everything starts to make more sense, we gain clarity and peace, and the things that are good and beneficial to our life will be added to us, just without the toil.

2. Align your decisions up against God’s word – when we determine to follow what God says in His word and to base our decisions on what He says, life becomes much simpler, and we gain answers to the questions we often face in life; what should I do, where should I go and who should I do it all with?

3. Love – Seek to base your life and all you do in love. Ask God to fill you with his ability when you feel like you have reached the end of your capacity to love. His love working in and through us never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)

“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16 N.I.V)

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”(1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

4. Forgive

Forgiveness removes the weights and burdens of our past and any hurts and disappointments we may have experienced. It’s simple but not always easy, but the real winner when you forgive is you…forgiveness sets us free.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven". (Luke 6:37 N.L.T)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

5. Be Kind

Being kind and responding in kindness to people and situations will help make you feel better and allow others to get close to you so you can form positive and meaningful relationships. Do not allow others to separate you from the best version of yourself, and choose the way of love and kindness.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.” (1 Cor 13:4)

Be present

Life is simpler when we live in the moment. Try to be aware of everything you are doing, feeling, and telling yourself. Learn to be in touch with your feelings as you face situations and enjoy the day.

“Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time." (Matthew 6:34 T.P.T)

"This (day in which God has saved me] is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Psalm 118:24 A.M.P)

6. Redefine things in your life

Redefine what success means to you. Step out of what the world says is important and prioritize things that will truly make you happy and that God says matter. (Matthew 6:33)

7. Ask Why

Question yourself about why you do and think about the things that you do. If you can’t come up with a meaningful reason or real purpose behind it, then perhaps consider letting it go. Determine to make better decisions that lead to a life full of more purpose and joy.

8. Focus on Jesus and Who He Says You are

It's too easy to focus on all that is around you, especially if you worry about what others think about you or what is the status quo.

Life becomes a lot better when you separate yourself from what other people think or their expectations and focus on Jesus and what He says. Shut down the outside noise and focus on Jesus, the peace He gives and learning to hear his voice more clearly every day.

“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27; Matthew 6:22)

“A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!” (John 10:10 T.P.T)

Prayer: Lord, thank you that life is very simple when we focus on you and what you say. Please help me lay aside any burdens and way of thinking that is contrary to your best for me so that I can live a full and overflowing life. Please help me to keep it simple today. In Jesus name Amen