Keep Life Simple

Yael Eckstein  |  January 18, 2023

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. — Proverbs 10:9

Today, I continue with a new devotional series on joy, simcha — the joy found in the grateful acceptance and celebration of each day God has given to us. Join me as we explore teachings on the joy found in connecting with God and with others.

Have you ever thought about what it would have been like to live before the conveniences of modern technology? Imagine washing clothes by hand, or even needing to make your own clothes from scratch?

Today we have more conveniences, more timesaving devices, and more of just about everything at our fingertips than ever before. And yet, despite the great abundance of our era, so many people still feel their lives are lacking.

In Proverbs, King Solomon taught us to live a simple life: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. “

In Hebrew, the word used in the verse for the word “integrity” is tom, which means both “simple” and “whole.” And the Hebrew phrase for “crooked paths” doesn’t only mean corrupt paths, but paths that are literally roundabout, winding, and complicated. This is because one who lives a simple life feels whole. And when we complicate our lives, we cause problems for ourselves and those around us.

Keep Life Simple

The fact that life has never been easier for many of us, and yet at the same time has never been more complicated, is proof that the problem is not our circumstances but our expectations. We can simplify our lives. And when we do, not only will we be happier and more satisfied, but we will also be better servants of God.

Simplifying our lives is not really about complicated technologies. I’m not suggesting we throw away our smartphones, although that might not be such a bad idea!

What I mean is that we must keep life simple. We need to clear up our list of priorities. Are we making things complicated by concerning ourselves with things that aren’t really important? What really matters? What is not worth getting worked up about?

When we clear away all the confusion and keep life simple, one thing is clear. If we focus on God, life becomes tom, simple and whole. And that is the path to real peace, tranquility, and joy.

Your Turn:

Let’s start today. Which areas of your life can be simplified? Where can we take less and give more? Where might we cut back and be happier? When it comes to character, be your most authentic self. Serve God simply and joy will follow.