Seeking Simplicity

A couple weeks ago Martin and I went for a drive through Amish country.  We love going there to see the horses and go into the shops.  There were a couple farmers working in the fields with teams of horses.  Children were playing in the yards.  Huge gardens had been planted. Obviously, they are hard working because every home, field and garden are well tended. None of the homes or businesses have electricity, but from our point of view their lives have a certain level of simplicity to them.

As I've gotten older and matured in my relationship with the Lord, my desire for a simple life has grown.  As I seek simplicity the scriptures remind me of what the Lord has for me.  David writes in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I think we often pass by this verse to get to the still waters and green pastures but it's an amazing verse.  I shall not want!  The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This isn't all our wants, but all our need.  Clearly God wants to guide us and provide for us, but we have to be willing to accept his guidance and provision.  Just how close am I willing to walk with God?

I love hymns.  So when I was thinking about my walk with the Lord I couldn't help but think of the hymn Just a Closer Walk with Thee.  So I did some research and the author of this wonderful hymn is unknown but it has been recorded by many artists since 1941. Yes, even Elvis Presley. 

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

 

I'll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to thee.  The simple life...I think I may get it right yet.  I pray you are blessed in your walk with the Lord.