Finding Joy in Simplicity
Monday, December 15, 2025
Finding Joy in Simplicity
Reflection from Episode 35 of A Cup of Hope
🎧 Listen to this episode right here or on your favorite podcast platform:
Christmas is meant to be joyful--but for many of us, it quietly becomes rushed, full, and emotionally heavy.
This episode is n invitation to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the kind of joy that doesn't come from doing more, but from abiding.
Joy doesn't always arrive with fireworks.
Sometimes it comes softly...like fresh snowfall before the world wakes up.
In this episode of A Cup of Hope, we explore how simplicity, stillness, and presence open the door to joy--especially during a season full of pressure and expectations.
Joy Ofen Arrives Quietly
One December morning, before the sun came up, I sat in my favorite chair.
The Christmas tree lights were glowing softly.
A warm cup of tea rested in my hands.
My Bible and Advent book were open in my lap.
A blanket wrapped around my shoulders… fuzzy socks on my feet…
and my sweet tuxedo cat curled up beside me in her usual spot.
Outside the window, snow was falling.
Quiet.
Soft.
Beautiful.
In that stillness, I was reminded how little I actually need for joy.
Just presence.
Just warmth.
Just Jesus.
And maybe a snuggly cat who believes the chair belongs to her.
Looking Up and Looking Out
As I’ve spent time reflecting on the year, I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude — not because life has been easy, but because God has been faithful.
I think about people walking through medical crises… unexpected losses… scary accidents… real hardship.
It doesn’t lead me to guilt or comparison.
It leads me to perspective.
Life is fragile.
Health is a gift.
Ordinary moments are sacred.
And when I pause long enough to notice, simplicity doesn’t feel like lack — it feels like joy.
Abiding, Not Striving
Joy isn’t something we manufacture.
It’s something we receive when our hearts are resting in God.
It’s nearly impossible to abide in Jesus while running on hurry, pressure, resentment, or unrealistic expectations.
But when we slow down…
when we choose simplicity…
we create space for gratitude, connection, presence, and joy.
Joy grows where we are willing to rest.
Three Simple Truths About Joy
1. Joy grows in stillness
Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Joy doesn’t grow in striving or noise.
It grows when we pause — when we sit with God and let our souls settle.
Stillness is where joy takes root.
2. Joy grows in what is present, not perfect
The Christmas story itself tells us this.
Jesus entered the world quietly — not in perfection, but in humility.
Born in a stable.
Laid in a manger.
Announced first to shepherds — ordinary men on an ordinary night.
Joy didn’t arrive in polished circumstances.
Joy arrived in presence.
And it still does.
3. Joy grows when we release expectations and “shoulds”
So much of our joy is stolen by pressure — the pressure to perform, to host perfectly, to do more, to be more.
But Jesus doesn’t call us to pressure.
He calls us to abide.
Different isn’t worse.
Less isn’t lack.
Simple isn’t settling.
Simplicity brings clarity — and clarity creates room for joy.
A Gentle Practice for the Week
Try this simple rhythm sometime this week:
Pause for three minutes.
Sit somewhere quiet — by the tree, on your porch, or in your car before going inside.
Look around.
Name three small blessings God has placed in front of you today.
Whisper a thank-you.
Not out of obligation — but out of gratitude.
Gratitude opens your eyes.
Joy lifts your spirit.
Simplicity restores your peace.
☕️ One Last Sip
"Joy doesn’t rush.
It arrives quietly… and meets you right where you are."
Closing Encouragement
Imperfection doesn’t mean failure.
It means you’re human — and that you need Jesus.
Simplicity helps us walk through this beautiful, messy, in-between life
with peace, clarity, and joy.
Take a breath.
Your presence matters.
Your simplicity is enough.
🎧 Listen Now:
Episode 35: Finding Joy in Simplicity
🎙️ Listen on Spotify | 🍎Apple Podcasts | Full Episode Library
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💛 Remember: God can take the broken pieces of your story and create something more beautiful than you ever imagined.
Hi, I'm Sherry
CEO Of Best Blog Ever
I’m a Life & Money Coach who helps women untangle the chaos of life and money and step into purpose with hope, confidence, and peace. These days, you’ll find me kayaking, being “Mimi,” tackling DIY projects I probably shouldn’t, and chasing big, brave goals (like training for a marathon in my 50s!).
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