I can be very guilty of overcomplicating things sometimes…am I alone in that?  Or are there others out there who do the same?  I can take what should be simple and over analyze it like crazy!  I don’t know exactly what it is in me that drives this behavior, but even if I know it is a simple concept, I tend to think “there has to be more to it then that”.

I do this with the Word all the time.  When you stop to reflect on the Bible, we have a tendency to overcomplicate it.  But we are instructed to find the simplicity:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted by from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)

I talk with fellow Christians all the time who say how complicated the Word can be – but let me challenge you today that perhaps it is our own selves that are making it that way.

There are a few key things I believe we must do to first grasp the simplicity of it all:

1. We need to believe the Word is true

If you don’t believe that the Bible is the true Word of God, then this can become an even harder concept to grasp.  If you doubt the validity of it – or believe it was meant for a different time period then ours – then you will doubt the validity of the simple truths it holds.  In John 17:17, Jesus declares that God’s Word is Truth.  The Bible is God’s Word.  Granted, we could afford to dig much deeper into this particular point – but I must save that for a future post.

2.  You need to be real with God

I want to let you in on a little secret.  God knows EVERYTHING about you.  Everything.  For some reason, when we pray or talk with God, we seem to forget this.  We put on a mask and try to hide our faults and our mis-steps – but He already knows everything there is to know.  You can’t shock or surprise Him.  Be real.  Have a real conversation with Him.  Tell Him you need help understanding His word.  He respects the authentic relationship.

3. Speak the Word

Start speaking the Word.  There is so much power in the spoken word.  Don’t just read it – speak it.  Declare it.  Make it personal.  Make it real.  Put your name in it.  Try some of these (note, I paraphrased some to fit):

I, Paul, can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)

I am a believer, all things are possible to me as a believer (Mark 9:23)

All of God’s promises to ME are Yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14)

The Lord has a plan for me – a plan to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

Start there.  Start somewhere.  When you start to speak it – it becomes real.  It becomes simple.

Jesus wants to meet us where we are.

Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev 3:20 NIV)

Jesus comes to us.  He is pursuing you and I.  All we need to do, is let Him in.  Don’t overcomplicate that decision.

Question: Do you find yourself overcomplicating the simple things?