Simplicity in Daily Living: Creating Space for God
Devotional week 20
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Reading Epistle to the Hebrews 12:1 was the push I needed today.
We have been facing difficult days. Health and work-related issues have weighed heavily on us, but I also need to confess that lately my mind has become a particular battlefield. I have been more introspective than usual.
Because of this, I began reading through the Psalms. Last night, before going to sleep, I read Psalm 51, where David prays as someone deeply aware of the weight of sin and longing for restoration:
“Create in me a pure heart...” (Psalm 51:10)
David not only admits guilt — he recognizes the inner disorder of his soul.
Why do I connect this with Hebrews 12?
Because we must weigh not only the burden of sin, but also the weight of things that may seem morally neutral and yet still suffocate our spiritual lives.
Hebrews 12:1 uses the image of a race. And perhaps the most important question for a runner is not, “Is this allowed?” but, “Is this helping me run?”
Modern life constantly pushes us towards excess. Excessive information, commitments, ambitions, worries, and distractions can quietly become weights that pull our attention away from Christ.
And this is dangerous.
We can become so overwhelmed that we no longer keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Running well requires lightness. And lightness requires surrender.
The simplicity that Hebrews points us towards is not about making life easier or escaping responsibility. It is about removing whatever keeps us from walking closely with Christ.
Biblical simplicity means creating space for God again.
I could list countless internal weights that slow us down spiritually: anxiety, comparison, guilt, perfectionism, and the constant need for approval.
But Hebrews reminds us that the Christian life is a race of endurance. And endurance requires focus, perseverance, and patience.
A disorganised soul struggles to listen well.
Challenge
Today, ask God to reveal what has become an unnecessary weight in your life. What is making your spiritual walk heavier than it needs to be? What is distracting your heart from His presence?
Prayer
Lord, help me recognise the weights that have burdened my soul and distracted my heart from You. Teach me to live with greater focus, wisdom, and simplicity, so that I may faithfully run the race You have set before me. Create space in my life for Your presence, Your voice, and Your peace.
Amen.
A Tent International Devotional