Finding Healing and Purpose in the Footsteps of Jesus 

I love the concept of tiny houses although I don’t live in one. I want a simple life. However, I am constantly pulled in every direction and, on most days, you will find me running the proverbial marathon. I am forever sticking things in my shopping basket or scrolling the latest Amazon deal for more stuff I don’t need.  Does that sound familiar?

This is “normal” in our culture today. When we are in trauma the distraction of stuff, overbooking our calendar, or even the pursuit of isolation can be a coping mechanism that keeps our eyes on the physical instead of the eternal.

What does Scripture say about living simply?  I would like to identify five action steps to help us get to a place of living a simple life by following the example of Jesus.

Be focused: Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

When we are focused on Jesus, we come to understand our suffering is something He understands from firsthand experience.  He lived a sinless life even while enduring temptation.  He understands mental and physical fatigue. He also experienced betrayal and disappointment.  He gets what we are going through. (Hebrews 4:15) He routinely got alone to a quiet place to be with His Father.  His focus was upward!

Be working:  Simple doesn’t mean stagnant.  (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

When trouble comes, it is tempting to curl up in a ball and shut out the world. That sounds simple, but it is not a solution.  Jesus as our example never stopped working the Father’s plan for His life.  He may have had to shake the dust off his feet and move on, but he never stopped moving forward.

Be content:  The search for happiness may have its roots in covetousness (Ecclesiastes 4:4).

The things that we think will make us happy; money, relationships, the big house, the nice car may have roots in the destructive pattern of looking around. (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Luke 12:15).  What is the secret Paul learned about contentment? We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thoughtful:  What we think is important. (Philippians 4:8)

Do I view myself as a failure or a follower and image bearer of Most High God? Am I focused on what was or what can be?  This is vital and one of the reasons “Determine your Mindset” is the first lesson in the Sanctuary in Trauma curriculum.   What we think about sets the direction for our lives.  It will drive us to Jesus, or it will keep us entangled in what-ifs and thoughts of if-only.

Be still:  Take time to quiet yourself before the God of the universe. (Psalm 46:10)

Our trauma wants to keep us from Jesus.  It wants to re-focus our energy to making it on our own or pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps.  Being still is the place where Jesus will remind us that He knows our hurts.  He was there weeping while it was happening.  Whether the trauma was self-inflicted or from a sin that was perpetrated upon us, He is the wound doctor our Great physician (Mark 2:17).  

Friends, living a simple life is challenging but worth it in the end.  It’s not just decluttering our homes or downsizing the house; it is a spiritual decluttering.  The lies we believe give power to our pain and allow it to keep hurting us long after the event(s) occurred.  When we follow the example of Jesus, we position ourselves for true healing.  

Let’s keep it simple.

 

 By Jane Hannah