In a world that glorifies hustle, accumulation, and constant connection, it can be hard to quiet our minds.  From the to-do list to the heartfelt cries of our children for our attention, to the ever enticing pull of media, it can be a real struggle to find stillness. But for the follower of Jesus, simplicity isn’t just a lifestyle trend. It’s a spiritual discipline. It’s a way of making space for what truly matters: intimacy with God, love for others, and peace within.

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When we look at the example of Jesus, we see that He modeled living simply. He didn’t own much, yet He lacked nothing. He moved slowly enough to notice the hurting, the outcast, the overlooked. He withdrew often to pray. He taught us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15), but in the abundance of grace.

Christian simplicity isn’t minimalism for minimalism’s sake. It’s intentional living rooted in eternal values- making space for silence and Scripture and clearing our hearts of that which would distract us from living fully in the purpose God has called us to.

Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). That secret wasn’t found in having more—it was found in having Christ. Simplicity isn’t about deprivation, but devotion. It’s about clearing the path so we can walk more closely with Jesus. When we let go of excess, we find freedom. When we quiet the noise, we hear His whisper. When we stop chasing the world, we start following the Savior.

Scripture repeatedly invites believers into moments of sacred stillness, where we can be silent before God and experience His presence deeply.

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“Be still and know that I am God” -Psalm 46:10

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In the original Hebrew language, “be still” means to stop, to let go, to relax. This is a command also translated to mean cease striving, surrender, and stop. What is crowding out your peace? What is keeping you from deeper communion from God? Is there any unforgiveness or bitterness that might be holding you back from true freedom and fellowship?

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If you are struggling to find simplicity in your mind, it may be time to add the practice of silence as part of your regular spiritual disciplines. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate silence with Jesus.

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• Create a quiet space: Find a physical place where distractions are minimized- a closet in your home, a garden bench, or even your car!
• Set aside specific times: Start a habit of spending intentional time in silent prayer or meditation weekly or daily. Begin with a few minutes and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with silence.
• Focus on God’s Word: Use Scripture as a focus point. Reflect deeply on a verse or passage or an attribute of God.
• Practice breath prayer: Inhale slowly, praying a short phrase like, “The Lord is my Shepard”, and then exhale slowly, saying “I shall not want”. This type of rhythmic prayer can help calm your mind and keep your focus on Jesus. (The book, Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker is an excellent resource for this.)
• Listen more, speak less: Rather than rushing to your prayer request list, be still and open your heart to hear what God might want to speak to you. Keep a journal handy to write down any thoughts, impressions, or scripture that might come to mind during this time.

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Being silent with Jesus is an ancient and sacred practice that draws us into His presence, refreshes our souls, and empowers us to live on mission. In a world filled with noise, choosing to be still becomes a powerful testimony of faith and what it looks like to live fully dependent on God’s grace.

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