What does simplicity of heart mean? How can we walk this out? And are there benefits of living with simplicity of heart? Let’s talk about what it means to live with simplicity of heart.
Discussed in this episode:
- Rhythms of Grace by Kerri Weems (affiliate link)
Find links to subscribe to The Heart Rest Podcast with Crystal Storms at HeartRestPodcast.com.
Simplicity of Heart
What does simplicity of heart mean? How can we walk this out? And are there benefits of living with simplicity of heart? Listen in as we talk about what it means to live with simplicity of heart.
What does simplicity mean? How can we live with simplicity of heart? I thought it might be important to define simplicity right from the beginning and discuss ways simplicity will allow us to draw close to God’s heart.
Since 2012 I’ve had a word of the year. Having one word to define my year has been a process of seeking God’s heart. It’s a way to focus my thoughts and seek God in a new way.
One day I’ll share with you more about having one word to define your year. But today I want to talk about my word for 2019 because it influenced this podcast: Haplotes.
Haplotes is a Greek word. (Strong’s G572). It translates as simplicity, singleness, liberality, bountifulness, and liberty. I think a fuller definition of haplotes is simplicity with the purpose of being devout, single-hearted faith in Christ.
Every word of the year has a verse to go along with it. My verse for 2019 was 2 Corinthians 1:12
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
I read this verse every morning. It’s written on the back pages of my morning devotional.
As I’ve worked to live out simplicity of heart, to live out haplotes, to live out simplicity with the purpose of being devout, single-hearted faith in Christ, I’ve noticed some benefits I want to share with you.
Now I shared the disclaimer in the trailer episode, and I’ll share it hear again. I am a work in progress with two steps forward and one step back. Meaning I don’t live this out perfectly. But these benefits are ones I’ve experienced as I’ve walked out haplotes.
Three Benefits of Living with Simplicity of Heart:
The first benefit of living with simplicity of heart is relief.
Relief from quieting the noise of the world to hear from God.
It took a while before I could embrace the silence. To find comfort in the quiet. To be still in His presence.
It reminds me to quiet the noise of the world so I can hear God’s Word to me. It looks like starting my day with pondering who God is as I read through the names of God. On my best days, it looks like spending time with God before scrolling on my phone. And one of my favorite ways is to carve out a day of quiet. No alarm. No noise. A walk through nature. Lots of journaling and listening.
With all that comes a sigh of relief. A recognition that what once brought comfort can add to life’s stress and rob me of peace. That quiet space allows me to reset and start again.
The second benefit of living with simplicity of heart is release.
Release from the expectations of the world and of myself that I should be further along in my journey or doing more. Release from the belief that I’m falling behind or failing. Release from comparing and striving.
Now I’ve noticed that each of these build upon the other. As I start of with quieting the noise of the world and experience the relief that it brings, I find myself able to release the unrealistic expectations I place upon myself. Then I get to experience the third benefit of living with simplicity of heart.
The third benefit of living with simplicity of heart is rest.
Rest in allowing Jesus to set my pace. Rest in knowing who I am in Christ. My identity is not determined by who the world says I am or even who I say I am. But my identity is determined by who God says I am. That’s true of you also, sweet friend.
In her book Rhythms of Grace, Kerri Weems writes, “when it comes to the pace of my life, I have to ask, Who is setting the rhythm? The answer depends on who has access to my ears, my mind, and my heart in that moment.”
That’s a powerful question to ask when rushing becomes a default. When it doesn’t feel like there’s enough time to take a sick day or say yes to a friend’s request.
Simplicity of heart is an invitation to move forward from a place of knowing who we are in Christ and allowing Jesus to set our pace.
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
Question to Journal About or Simply Contemplate:
Whose voice or voices are you listening to? Are they leading you toward or away from Christ?
I hope this simple encouragement of defining what simplicity of heart is can help you cultivate a rhythm of rest. Because while it’s true that life is complicated, our hearts find rest when we keep first things first and release the rest.
Resources to Encourage Your Heart:
I hinted at two resources in today’s show. The print out of the names of God and 50 Personalized Verses to See Yourself Through the Eyes of God can both be found in the Close to His Heart Community Library. Sign up here to get those two resources and more as gifts from my heart to yours.
As we close, I want to leave you with another quote from Keri Weems from her book Rhythms of Grace in the chapter on Keep the Pace:
“Maturity doesn’t mean that we have made it to perfection or that we will never have to change again. It means that we are right where we need to be for now, and we are free to enjoy our current season of life without shame about our shortcomings or pressure to perform better.”
Thank you for listening, sweet friend. Until next time, rest in Christ.
