It took us years to get here. We sold our big house, sold anything not nailed down, and bought a tiny barn in the country. We built the staircase with our own hands, and our kids raised a wall into place. It’s really simple here. The footprint of our house is 30’x30,’ and eight of us do all our living under this one gable roof. But it’s everything we’ve ever wanted. We sit on a little ridge of land with big trees and big breezes. The kids are growing up and we are growing older—not much else happens out here. While we were still tearing out walls inside, we painted the outside black and named the place Ravenridge with this verse in mind:
Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? (Luke 12:24).
Our thirties were hard years for us, and we truly learned that God’s provision was our only hope and security. In the testimony of Scripture and in our own lives, we saw again and again that God provides for His people, giving us everything they need. We work hard, we do our best, we plant seeds, but the Lord makes them grow. And then we realized we have nothing to fear in life or in death because He is our security. We are so tempted to “set [our] hope on the uncertainty of wealth” (1Timothy 6:17), but that’s not where true happiness lies.
When you are anxious, remember: “Don’t be afraid… because your Father delights to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Small living might not be for you. (Goodness knows, I’m so grateful for my friends with pools and big spaces for hosting!) But the discipline of simplicity is for everyone. Our Father loves us and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), so don’t sweat your one cow—or car. Can you think of a time you have seen the Church as the hands and the feet of the gospel in hand-me-downs or casseroles?
Consider the ravens. Consider the flowers of the field. Consider the fatherly kindness and provision of our God. Indeed, Christian simplicity is rooted in God’s fatherly love. He desires to give us the kingdom. Therefore, we may have childlike faith, and not be ruled by the worries, fear, or desires of the world. Simply seek Christ and His kingdom. Hear Him whispering to you now:
Don’t be afraid, little flock.
Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?
How much more will your Father do for you—you of little faith?
We need much less than we think. And our Father provides what we need. Sometimes it is just enough, and sometimes it’s abundantly more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Practice walking in faith and simplicity, for your Father delights to give you the kingdom.
Written by Caleb and Rebecca Faires
I needed this message today. For too long of my life, I’ve lived in my own desires. I have found that in pursuit of those desires, I have found myself not only wanting more, but anxious and depressed. Since finding God and listening to His word for me, I am happy to say I am seeking freedom from my own selfishness and praising Him for what He has given me. I am resting in the truth that He will always provide what I need. I don’t need to desire because He provides. Amen!
Amen, Kayla ❤️
Simple trust. Contentment. Grace.
I love how you put that – “worshiping at the altar of worry and anxiety.” As someone who also struggles with anxiety, I need to recognize when I’m at the wrong altar and cast those worries to the One who will never abandon me!
We recently moved and I was shocked to see how much things we had stored away in our small home (out of sight out of mind). It was a reality check, and the move was extremely stressful. Though one year before moving, I had decluttered lots of things from home décor, kids toys, clothing, garden accessories, etc. but we still had loads. I was so stressed in the process and was robbed of the joy to celebrate moving into the new home God provided.
I am thankful for this topic and all the beautiful comments and thoughts you have shared. Truly one’s life is not consisted of what we own. I am glad that the verse today, the rich man thought to himself, I ran out of rooms to store my stuff, surely that is a big sign isn’t it? I also ran out of rooms in my kids’ closets to store their 4 season clothing and hobbies stuff. I need to stop and reflect! Wait a minute, time to let go, time to sell and give alms, time to pass on to kids who don’t have enough winter jackets, mittens or hats in winter. Thankful for this reminder. Thankful for everyone’s wisdom.
Thank you Tina for your so very lovely story, brought tears to my eyes (almost every time!). So much wisdom in what you shared. Joy is found in simplicity through the eyes of a child. I pray I will INTENTIONALLY live simply (buy less, give away more) and teach my children to do the same. Bless you all dear sisters.
I have struggled with anxiety all my life. As I have grown in my Christian walk, it has lessened in my life. Although, it is something I still struggle with. Being reminded that God cares for us, as he cares for the birds, is just what I needed to hear. I pray this next year I can truly trust in my savior to meet my needs. I know he always has.
I never thought about connecting Luke 10 to simplicity- but that makes so much sense! Sometimes I get so caught up in serving or trying to get things done or doing the “right” thing that I miss Jesus right in front of me!
I have been trying to simplify my life the last several years because I am by myself and don’t want to have a lot or do lot. I remember when my father moved out of his house into a senior living place. My sister, my son and I all started two months before he moved going through the house. Yes some of the items were mine but some were my brothers’ and sister’s, some were my son’s but oh my, my father had forgotten some of the things he had stored away. This experience made me realize happiness is in memories and living day-to-day not things.
Have a blessed day my sisters in Christ.