Sermon: Porch Side Living – Finding Peace in the Simplicity of Life
Introduction
In the song Porch Side, we are transported to the hollers, where life is simple, the air is fresh, and the rhythm of the mountains moves slower than the busy world beyond. This imagery of sitting on the porch, strumming a banjo, sharing stories, and watching the sun set over the valleys speaks to a universal desire for peace, connection, and simplicity. It’s a life where, as the song says, “everything feels right.”
In a world that often feels chaotic and rushed, Porch Side offers us a glimpse into a slower, more deliberate way of living—one that aligns with the rhythms of nature and the heart. As we reflect on the song through the lens of Christian Libertarian ideology, modern human perspectives, and Scripture, we’ll uncover how this simple, porch-side living represents a deeper spiritual truth: that true peace and freedom are found in Christ, in community, and in living in harmony with the world around us.
Christian Libertarian Ideology: Freedom in Simplicity and Self-Sufficiency
Christian Libertarianism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom under God’s guidance, self-sufficiency, and the rejection of unnecessary external control. In Porch Side, the portrayal of life in the hollers reflects this ideology. It’s a life where people are self-reliant, connected to the land, and free from the overwhelming pressures of modern society. There is a beauty in the simplicity of porch-side living—a kind of freedom that comes from living close to nature and relying on one’s own efforts, family, and community.
Scripture tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” The slow, peaceful rhythm of life on the porch, as depicted in the song, echoes this call to lead a quiet life—one rooted in hard work, simplicity, and self-reliance under God’s provision. It’s not about rejecting society or progress, but about choosing to live in a way that honors God’s natural order and finds freedom in the simplicity of creation.
This kind of life is a reminder that true freedom is not found in the accumulation of wealth or the pursuit of modern conveniences but in the deliberate choice to live in harmony with God’s creation. The mountains, the rivers, and the porch become a sanctuary where the distractions of the world fade away, and the soul can find peace in the presence of God.
Modern Human Perspectives: The Desire for Simplicity in a Complicated World
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, many of us feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information, expectations, and demands. We are connected to the world like never before, yet often feel disconnected from ourselves, from nature, and from each other. Porch Side speaks to a deep human desire to slow down, to reconnect with the natural world, and to find peace in the simple moments.
The song describes a life where the sun’s setting, the crickets’ song, and the warmth of a fire are more than enough to bring contentment. This stands in stark contrast to the modern world’s tendency to equate happiness with material success, busyness, and constant stimulation. But as Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” There is profound spiritual truth in the act of being still, of stepping away from the noise and busyness to find God in the quiet moments.
In the hollers, as the song suggests, life moves at a different pace—one that allows for reflection, for connection with family and friends, and for appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. This slower pace invites us to consider how we can incorporate more simplicity into our own lives. How can we create space for quiet reflection, for meaningful conversations, and for experiencing God in the everyday moments?
Scripture and the Peace of God’s Creation
Throughout Scripture, we see the theme of God’s peace and presence being tied to His creation. From the garden of Eden to the peaceful waters of Psalm 23, God’s creation is often a place where His people find rest, restoration, and connection with Him. In Porch Side, the mountains, the valleys, and the porch itself become a place of refuge—a place where God’s peace can be felt in the gentle breeze and the evening song of the crickets.
Psalm 19:1-2 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” The peacefulness described in the song reminds us that nature itself speaks of God’s glory. When we sit on the porch and watch the sun set over the mountains, we are not just witnessing a beautiful scene—we are experiencing a moment of divine revelation. The world around us is a testament to God’s creative power, His beauty, and His care for all He has made.
The song also touches on the importance of community—of gathering together on the porch, sharing stories, and singing songs. This kind of connection with others is central to the Christian life. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Porch-side living is not just about enjoying nature—it’s about connecting with the people around us, building relationships, and encouraging one another in faith.
Conclusion: Embracing the Porch Side of Life
Porch Side paints a picture of a life lived in simplicity, peace, and connection—both with God’s creation and with the people around us. It invites us to slow down, to step away from the busyness of modern life, and to find contentment in the quiet moments. It’s a reminder that true freedom is not found in the accumulation of things or in the pursuit of status, but in living a life that is aligned with God’s natural order, rooted in community, and filled with His peace.
As we reflect on this song, let us remember the words of Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” In the simple, porch-side moments of life, we find the rest that Jesus offers—rest for our bodies, minds, and souls.
So let us embrace the porch-side rhythm of life, where we can be still, know God, and find peace in His presence. Amen.
Key: D Major
Chords Progression:
| D | G | A | D |
| Bm | G | A | D |
Verse 1:
D
Up in the hollers, where the mountain winds blow,
G
Life moves slow, in a rhythm we know,
A
Sitting on the porch, with a banjo in hand,
D
Strumming out the stories of this rugged land.
Bm
The sun dips low, casting shadows long,
G
As the crickets start their evening song,
A
There’s peace in the valleys, where the rivers wind,
D
And on the porch side, we leave the world behind.
Chorus:
D
Porch side living, where the heart beats true,
G
With the mountains high and the sky so blue,
A
We gather ‘round as the day fades to night,
D
On the porch side, everything feels right.
Verse 2:
D
Grandma’s in her rocker, telling tales of old,
G
Of the coal mines deep and the winters cold,
A
The hounds lie lazy, by the steps they stay,
D
As the stories and the music carry us away.
Bm
The fireflies dance in the twilight’s glow,
G
As the moon rises up, casting light below,
A
We laugh, we sing, in the evening’s grace,
D
Porch side living is our favorite place.
Chorus:
D
Porch side living, where the heart beats true,
G
With the mountains high and the sky so blue,
A
We gather ‘round as the day fades to night,
D
On the porch side, everything feels right.
Bridge:
Bm
And when the fog rolls in, soft and slow,
G
We huddle close, letting the embers glow,
A
In the warmth of the fire, in the stories we tell,
D
Porch side living, where our spirits dwell.
Chorus:
D
Porch side living, where the heart beats true,
G
With the mountains high and the sky so blue,
A
We gather ‘round as the day fades to night,
D
On the porch side, everything feels right.
Outro:
D
So here’s to the hollers and the simple days,
G
Where the porch side’s home in every way,
A
With the stars above and the earth below,
D
Porch side living is the life we know.
As Always, God Bless,
James Arthur Ferguson
FergusonPoetryProject LLC 
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