Embracing Simplicity: The Path to Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Freedom
Chase Tobin
National Sales Manager/Field Operations Specialist @ ARX Perimeters United States Marine Corps Veteran
In a world that constantly bombards us with noise, responsibilities, and distractions, simplicity may seem like an unattainable luxury. Yet, it is the very thing that provides peace and balance in our spiritual, mental, and physical lives. The Lord, in His wisdom, designed us to thrive in simplicity, not in the chaos we often create for ourselves. Living a simple life is not just about decluttering our spaces or reducing our schedules; it's about focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God, our well-being, and our connection with others.
So, how do we begin to lead a simpler life? How can we apply this mindset across the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of our lives? In this post, we’ll explore the power of simplicity and why it’s essential for living in harmony with God’s purpose.
The Call to Simplicity in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, simplicity is a recurring theme. God consistently calls us to let go of the unnecessary, to stop complicating our relationship with Him and others. In Psalm 116:6, it says, "The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me." Simplicity in faith means trusting in God’s guidance without adding layers of doubt or overcomplication.
God’s desire is for us to live a life grounded in humility and trust, not in complexity or material wealth. He values a heart that seeks Him in simplicity, free from distractions. Jesus Himself lived a life of simplicity, serving as a model for us. His teachings focused on loving God, loving others, and not being burdened by the worries of the world. By following this example, we can find the peace and clarity that simplicity brings.
Simplicity in Spiritual Health
A simple spiritual life doesn’t mean a shallow one. On the contrary, it allows for a deeper connection with God. When we remove the distractions and complexities, we’re left with the core of what matters—our relationship with Him. Many of us try to “do more” to feel close to God—attending multiple church events, taking on more responsibilities, or overloading ourselves with religious tasks. While these may be good in themselves, they can sometimes overshadow the simple joy of spending time in God’s presence.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry about what we will eat or drink, for our Heavenly Father knows our needs. Simplicity in faith is about trusting that God provides. We don’t need to strive or complicate our spiritual walk; we need to rest in the assurance that God is enough.
Practical Steps to Simplify Your Spiritual Life
How do you simplify your spiritual life in practical terms? First, carve out time for regular prayer and stillness. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or lengthy, but consistent and sincere. Spending even 15 minutes a day in quiet prayer or reflection can realign your heart with God’s will and remove the distractions that keep you from hearing His voice.
Another way to simplify is to focus on a few key Bible verses or teachings, rather than overwhelming yourself with trying to grasp everything all at once. Trust that God will reveal what you need to know at the right time. Lastly, lean on the simplicity of trusting God’s provision. Let go of the need to have everything figured out. God invites us into a simple relationship where faith, not complexity, guides us.
Simplicity in Mental Health
Our minds, much like our lives, are often cluttered. We fill them with worries about the future, regrets about the past, and endless to-do lists. Overthinking and mental clutter are common struggles, but the beauty of simplicity can extend into our mental health, offering peace and clarity. Simplifying our thoughts means recognizing what we can control and letting go of what we cannot.
When we simplify our mental landscape, we create space for more important things: creativity, joy, and contentment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in a world that constantly demands our attention. From social media to 24-hour news cycles, there’s no shortage of distractions pulling us in every direction. This constant influx of information not only drains us mentally but also contributes to feelings of anxiety, stress, and exhaustion.
Developing Mental Clarity through Simplicity
So how do we begin to simplify our minds? One practical approach is to reduce distractions. Limiting unnecessary media consumption, especially from digital sources, can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. By cutting down on social media, mindless scrolling, and information overload, we free our minds from the constant demand to react to everything happening around us.
Another key element of mental simplicity is focusing on what’s within your control. Many of us stress over things we have no power to change, which leads to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on your actions, your responses, and your attitude toward challenges. By simplifying your mental approach to life, you allow space for greater peace and balance.
Finally, introduce mindful habits that ground you in the present moment. This could be a simple practice of gratitude each day, journaling your thoughts, or taking five minutes to breathe and reset. These small actions help bring clarity to your thoughts and a sense of calm to your mental state.
Simplicity in Physical Health
The world of fitness and nutrition can often feel like a maze of conflicting advice, extreme routines, and complex diets. But when it comes to physical health, simplicity is often the most effective path to success. We don’t need complicated plans or intense regimens to stay healthy—what we need is consistency and balance. Simplifying your approach to physical health can lead to sustainable results and reduce the frustration of constantly chasing the next fad.
Much like in our spiritual and mental health, overcomplicating things in the physical realm can create unnecessary stress. We see it all the time: extreme diets that promise quick fixes or elaborate workout routines that only serve to overwhelm us. The truth is, a simple approach to physical well-being—through balanced eating, regular exercise, and proper rest—yields far more lasting results.
Building a Sustainable Physical Routine
Start by embracing basic, functional movements. Exercises like walking, squats, push-ups, and stretching are timeless because they work. They don’t require fancy equipment or complicated plans. Consistently performing simple exercises builds strength, flexibility, and endurance over time. The same applies to your diet. Focus on whole foods, limit processed items, and aim for balance rather than restriction.
One of the most important aspects of simplifying your physical health is consistency. It’s better to walk 30 minutes every day than to do an intense workout once a week. Small, consistent actions build momentum and keep your body healthy without adding stress. Whether it’s exercise or nutrition, keeping things simple ensures that your habits are sustainable, and that’s what leads to long-term health.
How Simplicity Aligns with God’s Plan for Our Lives
God’s plan for us is rooted in simplicity. He doesn’t ask us to carry the burden of the world on our shoulders. In fact, His word tells us that He is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The more we complicate our lives with unnecessary worries, tasks, or goals, the further we stray from the peace He offers. Living simply aligns us with His desire for us to find rest and clarity in Him.
God provides for our needs, and when we trust Him, we can let go of the anxieties that come with trying to do everything on our own. First Timothy 6:6-7 reminds us that "godliness with contentment is great gain." We brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of it. God calls us to live with contentment and simplicity, trusting that He will provide what we need.
Simplicity is also a reflection of humility. When we live simply, we acknowledge that we don’t need to control or accumulate everything. Instead, we live with open hands, allowing God to direct our steps. Simplicity is the pathway to true freedom, enabling us to focus on our relationship with Him and the calling He has placed on our lives.
Practical Tips for Leading a Simple Life
Living simply isn’t just a philosophical idea—it’s a practical lifestyle that requires intentional choices. There are tangible steps we can take every day to simplify our lives and focus on what truly matters. One of the most effective ways to simplify is by decluttering our physical environment. A cluttered home or workspace often reflects a cluttered mind. Start by clearing out things you don’t need—items that take up space but don’t serve a purpose. Letting go of these material possessions can provide mental clarity and a sense of freedom.
Another key to leading a simple life is prioritizing relationships over possessions. In a world where materialism is constantly encouraged, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring success by what we own. However, the Bible reminds us that our worth is not tied to material wealth, but to our connection with God and others. Focus on building strong relationships with family, friends, and your community, rather than accumulating more things. It’s these relationships that bring lasting joy and fulfillment.
Lastly, simplify your schedule. Many of us are overcommitted, trying to juggle too many activities, jobs, or social obligations. Take a moment to evaluate your priorities. What truly matters to you? Is your calendar filled with activities that nourish your soul, or are you just trying to keep up with the pace of life? It’s okay to say no. Freeing up time allows you to invest in what brings you closer to God and gives you peace.
Finding Peace Through Simplicity
One of the greatest benefits of living a simple life is the peace it brings. Simplicity helps us focus on the essentials, stripping away the distractions that cause stress and anxiety. When we live simply, we stop chasing after things that don’t truly matter—material success, validation from others, or the never-ending pursuit of “more.” Instead, we focus on what brings peace: our relationship with God, the love of family and friends, and the joy of meaningful work.
The world often tells us that we need more to be happy, but the Bible teaches the opposite. True peace comes from contentment with what we have and trust in God’s provision. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring our concerns to God in prayer. When we do, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is rooted in simplicity—trusting that God is in control and that we don’t need to complicate our lives to find fulfillment.
Many people who have adopted a simple lifestyle report feeling more connected to their purpose and more content with life. This is because simplicity creates space for joy, gratitude, and reflection. By removing the excess, we allow ourselves to focus on what truly matters and experience the peace that comes with clarity.
Simplicity in Our Relationship with Others
Simplicity doesn’t just impact our personal lives; it transforms our relationships as well. Jesus’ teachings emphasize two things: loving God and loving others. When we apply simplicity to our relationships, we strip away the unnecessary drama, misunderstandings, and complications that often cause conflict. Instead, we focus on what really matters—kindness, honesty, and connection.
Loving your neighbor can be as simple as practicing kindness in your daily interactions. Small acts of generosity or compassion can make a significant impact, and these don’t require grand gestures or complex plans. By simplifying our approach to relationships, we also learn to communicate more openly. Honest communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. When we remove the barriers of pride, misunderstanding, or over-analysis, we can connect more deeply with the people in our lives.
Additionally, living simply in our relationships means avoiding unnecessary complications. This might involve letting go of grudges, avoiding gossip, or choosing to forgive rather than hold onto resentment. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:32 to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” By practicing simplicity in our relationships, we create space for love to grow and flourish.
The Eternal Perspective: Simplicity in Our Walk with Christ
At the heart of simplicity is the desire to live in harmony with God’s will. Jesus modeled this for us in the way He lived—focusing on what was essential, rejecting worldly distractions, and simplifying His mission to two great commandments: love God and love others. He never complicated His message, but He did call us to live with intention and purpose. The simplicity of His teachings is profound because it brings clarity to our lives and shows us the way forward.
Walking with Christ doesn’t require us to navigate through layers of rituals, rules, or complexities. Instead, Jesus invites us to come to Him with a childlike faith, trusting in His goodness and grace. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we learn to let go of the things that distract us from our true purpose. By focusing on what really matters—our love for God and our service to others—we live with a simplicity that reflects His heart.
Matthew 22:37-39 reminds us of this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the ultimate call to simplicity—a life of love, unburdened by distractions, and focused on what truly matters.
The Role of Gratitude in a Simple Life
Gratitude plays a pivotal role in living a simple life. When we practice gratitude, we shift our focus away from what we lack and instead celebrate what we have. Gratitude naturally leads to simplicity because it reduces the desire for more. Instead of constantly seeking out new things—whether material possessions, achievements, or experiences—we find contentment in the present.
When we live with gratitude, we begin to appreciate the small, everyday blessings that often go unnoticed. A simple meal, a peaceful moment of reflection, or a meaningful conversation with a loved one can bring deep fulfillment when approached with a heart of thankfulness. Gratitude helps us let go of the pressures to “keep up” or to acquire more, allowing us to embrace the richness of life as it is.
Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Living simply means recognizing God’s enduring goodness in our lives and being content with what He provides. When we cultivate gratitude, we simplify our desires, and we find joy in God’s provision rather than chasing after more.
Overcoming Challenges to Simplicity
Living a simple life is not without its challenges. Our world often celebrates busyness, materialism, and excess, making it difficult to choose a path of simplicity. There’s a fear of missing out, a pressure to keep pace with the fast-moving world around us. But simplicity is about choosing what’s right over what’s popular, and that can sometimes feel counter-cultural.
One of the biggest challenges is learning to say no. We often overcomplicate our lives by taking on too much—whether it’s commitments, possessions, or responsibilities. It can feel uncomfortable to turn down invitations or scale back our activities, but doing so is necessary to preserve our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Simplicity requires boundaries, and setting those boundaries may feel challenging at first, but it’s essential for maintaining balance.
Another challenge is breaking free from the idea that more is better. This mindset is ingrained in our society, where success is often measured by accumulation—whether it’s wealth, accomplishments, or status. But Scripture teaches us that true contentment comes not from abundance, but from trust in God’s provision. Overcoming the pull of consumerism requires a shift in perspective, where we find fulfillment in simplicity rather than in excess.
To overcome these challenges, we must stay focused on the benefits of simplicity—peace, clarity, and a closer relationship with God. It helps to regularly reflect on your “why”—the reasons you’ve chosen to simplify your life. Whether it’s to grow spiritually, reduce stress, or spend more time with loved ones, keeping your purpose in mind will help you stay committed to simplicity.
Conclusion: Finding Freedom in Simplicity
Simplicity is more than a lifestyle choice—it’s a path to true freedom. When we choose simplicity, we free ourselves from the pressures and distractions of the world and align our lives with God’s purpose. In our spiritual, mental, and physical health, simplicity offers clarity, peace, and joy.
By letting go of unnecessary complexities, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God. We begin to trust Him fully, live contentedly with what He provides, and focus on what truly matters—loving Him and loving others. As we simplify our schedules, our environments, and our minds, we create space for peace and for God’s presence in our lives.
The journey to simplicity is not always easy, but it is worth it. When we strip away the distractions, we find that life becomes richer, not poorer. We discover joy in small moments, peace in God’s provision, and purpose in loving others. Simplicity brings us back to the basics: trusting in the Lord, living with contentment, and focusing on the relationships that matter most.
As you continue on your path toward a simpler life, remember that God walks with you every step of the way. His plan for you is not one of chaos or confusion, but of peace. Embrace simplicity, and you will find the freedom that comes from living in alignment with His will.
FAQs