The Simple Things

Divine Inspirations | By Dee Davis

Scripture focus:

Matthew 9:22; Mark 5:34; Luke 17:7-10

Some days, this Christian life does not feel “simple” at all. We know we are called to pray, to trust, to forgive, to serve, to keep showing up in love. Yet those most basic acts of obedience can feel heavy, complicated, even impossible. Often the real struggle is not the task itself, but the mindset with which we approach it.

In Matthew 9:22 and Mark 5:34, a woman reaches out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. She does something very simple: she comes to Him in faith and stretches out her hand. Jesus turns to her and says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” The action is small, but the heart behind it is huge. She is not trying to impress Him or earn anything; she knows she is needy and He is merciful. Her simple act becomes powerful because she has a right view of who He is and who she is to Him.

In Luke 17:7–10, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who comes in from the field and still has work to do. The master does not thank him for doing his job; he has only done what was commanded. Jesus then says, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” At first, that can sound hard. But underneath it is a freeing truth: we are not earning status, love, or favor with God by our service. We are already His, and our obedience is simply the natural response of servant-children who know their place in the household of a mighty, gracious God.

This is where “the simple things” become hard for us. Reading Scripture daily, forgiving that same person again, showing kindness when we are tired, giving when no one sees—these are not complex actions, but they can feel crushing when we forget who and whose we are. If we see ourselves as performers trying to secure God’s approval, every act of obedience becomes a test, every failure a verdict, and every command a burden. But when we remember that we are beloved sons and daughters who have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus, service is no longer a ladder we climb; it is the overflow of a heart already accepted.

The finished work of Christ changes everything. At the cross, Jesus did the hardest thing so that we could walk in the “simple things” with a freed heart. He fulfilled all righteousness, bore our sin, and secured our adoption. Now, we obey not to become children of God, but because we are children of God. We serve not to be noticed, but because He has already set His love on us. We persevere in small daily faithfulness because our identity is anchored, not in how well we serve, but in how perfectly Christ has served and saved us.

Today, ask the Lord to realign your mindset. Where have simple acts of obedience become heavy because you’ve slipped into striving, comparison, or fear? Bring that to Jesus, like the woman who simply reached for His garment. Let Him remind you: “Daughter, son, your identity is in Me. Your service does not earn My love; it flows from My love.” Then, from that place, go and do the next simple thing He has set before you—pray, forgive, give, help, listen—not as a way to prove yourself, but as a grateful response to the finished work of Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

“Father, thank You that I am Your servant and Your child because of Jesus, not because of my performance. Realign my heart today. Help me see obedience as a joyful response to Christ’s finished work. Teach me to do the simple things with a humble, grateful spirit, remembering who and whose I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Stay encouraged and be blessed.