“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” NIV

“I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.” The Message

The simple life, is to give up our stubborn rebellious, “want to do it our way” attitudes (Romans 12:1) and just daily accept the easier “yoke” that God has for us that Jesus spoke of while He was here on earth explaining the fulfillment of living God’s law. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” 
Matt 11:28-30, NLT

Years ago, God led me to ministry that was exciting, challenging and rewarding. However, I fell for satan’s scheme of attacking the “busy” with fatigue, while placing my own yoke of a heavy work load around my neck that became impossible to fulfill. I fell for accepting the unrealistic expectations of the people I was serving placed on me. I finally cried out to God for the simple life and HIS easier, “lighter”, perfect yoke. God heard that prayer, restored my joy and taught me what HE expected from me.

Learning the law brings peace to us and praise to the Father, but also it carries the responsibility of the more we know, the more we are responsible to obey with an upright heart with gratitude for all He has done for us. I am learning to live in the ebb and flow of a simple life lived with waking up, giving over my whole life, (heart, mind, body and soul), and then simply listening, following and behaving in the “pattern” Jesus taught us to live. As Jesus said, “I only do what the Father tells me to do. I say what the Father tells me to say.” I try to do the same.

Simple. Responsible. Peace. A yoke that fits perfectly is knowing the “perfect will” of our Father. “Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2, NLT I now live in complete gratitude for God’s teaching, His law, and salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I have been healed of “worldview” and now live in God’s view.