Getting Back to Basics — Carol McLeod Ministries
A Note from Carol: I’m so excited to introduce you to Susan Myers—the Creative Director at Carol McLeod Ministries. Susan is a gifted writer and communicator with a heart that beats for Jesus and a passion to help others know Him more deeply. Her love for God’s Word and her honest reflections on life and faith will encourage you to slow down, listen for His voice, and find joy in His presence. You’re going to love her authenticity, her wisdom, and her gentle reminder that our hope is always found in Jesus.
When I first came to know Jesus in my mid-twenties, I tried so hard to get it all right. I looked around at other believers who seemed to have it all figured out—their prayers sounded eloquent, their faith looked unshakable, and they always seemed to know just the right verse for every situation.
So I did what I thought I was supposed to do: I copied them.
If they lifted their hands in worship, I lifted mine higher.
If they underlined a verse, I highlighted the whole chapter.
I was faking it ‘til I made it, hoping that somewhere along the way, my imitation would turn into genuine faith.
But here’s what I’ve learned after almost twenty years of following Jesus—faith isn’t about performing. It’s about being.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped trying to be like everyone else and started learning to simply be with Him. I discovered that the real, sustaining, life-giving power of faith is found in the basics:
Talking with Him in prayer.
Sitting quietly in His presence.
Opening His Word—not out of duty, but out of hunger to hear from Him.
Worshipping not to impress others, but to adore the Lord of my life.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
— Psalm 46:10, NLT
Life is hard—really hard. There are seasons when it feels like the road just keeps getting steeper and your strength is gone. In those moments, the only thing that keeps you standing is the foundation you’ve built on the basics.
When the world feels loud, go back to prayer.
When your soul feels dry, go back to worship.
When your heart feels lost, open the Word.
When you feel rushed, slow down and sit in His presence.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”
— Matthew 11:28, NLT
Before you jump into another commitment—another project, ministry event, or responsibility—pause and just be with Him. Let Him fill you before you pour out. Because when we start from His presence, everything else flows naturally.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
— Matthew 6:33, NLT
Jesus is our breath, our bread, our living water. He sustains us.
“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
— John 6:35, NLT
And the more time we spend with Him, the more we realize—we were never meant to live without the basics.
So today, friend, maybe it’s time to get back to them.
Not because you have to, but because your soul is craving it.
He’s waiting.
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
— James 4:8, NLT
A Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for inviting us back to the simple, beautiful basics of faith. Teach us to slow down and rest in Your presence. Quiet our hearts so we can hear Your voice. Remind us that You are enough—our peace, our strength, our daily bread. Draw us close to You today, Jesus. Amen.
If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you! Email me at susan@carolmcleodministries.com. Reach out and share how God is helping you get back to the basics in your own life. Your stories always inspire me.
