Slideshow image

The apostle Paul wrote of the “simplicity” found in Jesus. That simplicity often works against our Western thinking, where we tend to overload ourselves with busyness or worries or information—until even the childlike things of God start to seem big and complicated in our lives.

We can spend a lot of time searching for the “big” answers, when all we really need is what Paul wrote about: the simplicity of Jesus.

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Cor. 11:2–3 NKJV)

If we are feeling weary and overburdened, maybe the answer is simple. Maybe all we need to do is let go of the complicated things and just return to simple love for Jesus.

Awe & Wonder

So, here is a small exercise in simplicity. As I read Psalm 8, I am struck with awe and wonder:

Awe: because of the breathtaking description of the glorious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wonder: that He delegated mastery over all the work of His hands to us, His born-again family here on earth.

Read the following psalm out loud, and allow your heart to meditate upon the awe and wonder of Elohim, whose fame fills the earth:

Lord, your name is so great and powerful! People everywhere see your splendor. Your glorious majesty streams from the heavens, filling the earth with the fame of your name!

You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies. Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children. This kind of praise has the power to shut Satan’s mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose you. 

Look at the splendor of your skies, your creative genius glowing in the heavens. When I gaze at your moon and your stars, mounted like jewels in their settings, I know you are the fascinating artist who fashioned it all!

But when I look up and see such wonder and workmanship above, I have to ask you this question: Compared to all this cosmic glory, why would you bother with puny, mortal man or be infatuated with Adam’s sons? Yet what honor you have given to men, created only a little lower than Elohim, crowned like kings and queens with glory and magnificence.

You have delegated to them mastery over all you have made, making everything subservient to their authority, placing earth itself under the feet of your image-bearers.

All the created order and every living thing of the earth, sky, and sea—the wildest beasts and all the sea creatures—everything is in submission to Adam’s sons.

Lord, your name is so great and powerful. People everywhere see your majesty! What glory streams from the heavens, filling the earth with the fame of your name! (Ps. 8:1–9 TPT)

This holiday season, His glory is streaming from the heavens and filling your home and family with the strength and tenderness of His name. May your heart return to its roots and bask in the simple joy of Jesus.