Plugging Into the Power Source

The older I get, the more I realize that there is power in community and relationships. We are not meant to do this life on our own. It just doesn’t work very well. Have you noticed that, too? We need each other. But we can’t develop those relationships at the last minute when we are already in the middle of a crisis or a trial. We need each other in the good times as well as the bad.

When I get up every morning, one of the first things I do is plug my curling iron into the power outlet. I have to do something to put some life in my “old lady” hair. Now, when you get my age, more often than not, your hair tends to get thinner and more lifeless. Most days I use some type of hair “stuff” that promises to make my hair look more bouncy, shiny and youthful. Then like “magic,” I use my curling iron to add body and style. Ha! Of course, that is not what happens. But I keep trying and hoping anyway.

There is a connection between these two random stories, believe it or not.  So be patient with me, and I promise I’ll explain.

The Power Needs More Than the Plug

We all know that if we want to use a curling iron, we first have to plug it into an outlet, a power source. Right?  “Well, of course, Grandma D, we weren’t born yesterday!” Yes, you and I both know that.  And there is a spiritual analogy that I’m sure you’ve heard before: “when we want our lives to work, we have to plug into our heavenly power source.”

That analogy is very true, and I certainly don’t want to make light of the importance of leaning on God for our strength. We CANNOT do this life without Him. Period.

But, here’s the thing I want to talk about today. There are times when I wake up and plug my curling iron in to the outlet as usual. But when I come back a little later to start styling my hair, there is a problem. You see, I missed one pretty important step – I forgot to turn on the switch. The curling iron was connected to the source, but the power wasn’t flowing. That curling iron didn’t help me with my messy hair, did it?

It’s True With Spiritual Power, Too!

And there are many people just like that in their spiritual lives. They claim to be connected to the power source. The say they believe in God. Some even claim to be “Christians.” But that is as far as it goes. Don’t ask them to make a commitment to anything. Don’t ask them to change their way of life. Don’t ask them if they read their Bibles (if they even have one) or if they pray.

The truth is some people want an “easy” God on their terms. If God wants them to change or do something differently or get out of their normal routine or comfort zone, it’s “Umm, no thank you.”

In a Christian’s life, it can honestly be the same way. We get too comfortable thinking we are connected to the source of life and goodness. After all, I’m a pretty good person. I love Jesus. I go to church. I don’t curse. I put my money in the collection basket. That is a connection of sorts, but one that still isn’t going to “curl our hair!”

The Spirit’s Power is Life-Changing!

God loves you and me more than anything, and He knows what is best for us. When we truly commit our lives to Him, we will want to grow more into His image. That means more than just plugging into that power source. It means turning that switch on! It means letting Him fill you with His Spirit and empowering you to do what you cannot do on your own.

It is a changed life!

The evidence of that change is seen in how you relate to people, how joyful and loving you are, how you handle stress, how you overcome trials, how you see the lost, and how you yearn for eternity with Him.

When I think about the trials I have faced — serious illness, deaths in the family, job loss, family crisis – I can honestly say that it was His strength and His power, not mine, than got me through those trials.

Finding His Power in His Presence

Connecting to God’s genuine source of power is a lifestyle, not something you just try to obtain at the last minute when something bad happens. If we have not already made that connection, then we won’t have it when those difficulties come. We won’t know what to do.

Turning on the power switch is not difficult at all, but it is something that you will want to do every day. You see, once you have His power active in your life, you won’t want to live without it!

His power is in His presence. Living in His presence is the best place to live. It is there that you find peace beyond human understanding. It is in His arms that you know that you are safe and protected. This is the only place where you are loved and accepted just because you are His child. Isn’t that a place you would want to live?

Seeking His Presence Every Day

So, how do we got beyond just plugging into this power source, but turning it on so it flows in our lives and draws us into His presence? Let me share with you how I have learned to live in His presence every day.

I start my day with Him. That by itself sets the tone for the rest of my day. I pray, sing praises. Read scripture. These set my focus on godly things. I’m not saying you need to do all of these things. But here are some important ways to connect with your Father. And guess what? He is eager to be with you, too! That brings me so much joy.

His Presence in Prayer

Prayer: When you pray, you are actually talking with God. Just think about that for a moment. The Creator of the whole universe wants to hear from you! If that is not a great way to connect to the power source, I don’t know what is!

But, prayer is a two-way communication. That means you are listening to Him, too. That is the part I have the most trouble with sometimes because I want to do all the talking, telling Him all the things I need and want, and all the ways I think things should go. But He really wants me to let Him be in charge (imagine that!). When I stop talking and really start listening, He opens my eyes to His plans, which are so much better and more powerful than any I can think up.  So start your day with a prayer. Open your heart to the intimacy of talking with the One who loves you most of all.

Then, as you go about your day, keep talking to Him. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. He’s always there, always listening, and always eager to spend time with you.

Here’s a post I wrote a few years ago about prayer. You might find it helpful: https://grandma-d.com/is-praying-a-waste-of-time/

His Presence in His Word

Reading Scripture: Sometimes we forget that the Bible is God speaking to us. It is the inspired Word of God. It is His plan for our lives. When we connect with scripture, we learn more about Him, too. Engaging with the Bible provides insight into God’s character and His desires for us and all of humanity. That gives us another access to His power.

I use one of the Bible apps on my phone and read passages every morning. They also have some wonderful devotional plans on all different subjects. They usually have a short devotional thought and a group of scriptures to go with it. I love those, too. The YouVersion app is free, and they have many Bible translations, and thousands of plans. Here’s a link to check them out: https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

His Presence in Worship

Worship: Another way to connect to my heavenly power source is through worship. I love to sing praises to God every day. Driving in the car is an ideal place where I can sing and no one hears whether or not I’m on key! I love to do this as I drive to the gym in the mornings. It’s about a 20-minute drive, and I’m often a grumpy driver. Singing and praising God keeps my heart light. Yes, I still focus on the traffic, but my attitude toward other drivers is one of patience and understanding (most of the time!). So, think about participating in worship, whether through music or other forms, as it will deepen your connection to God’s power.

His Presence in Fellowship

Community: At the beginning of this post I said, “We are not meant to do this life on our own. It just doesn’t work very well.” Well, that is why we need each other. Being part of a Christian family – the church — encourages us when times are tough. We grow stronger in our faith as we share our experiences with each other as well.

The Greek word for this is Koinonia. It means deep fellowship, communion, partnership, or joint participation, especially in a spiritual sense, referring to the shared life and purpose among Christians involving mutual support, giving, and love. It goes beyond casual friendship to imply intimacy and striving for common spiritual goals. This was seen in the early church’s devotion to teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and sharing resources every day.

There have been so many times in my life that my church family has held me up when I didn’t know how I could take one more step. The church was God’s plan all along. He knew that when we connected with each other it made our connection with Him so much stronger. That is the power of fellowship.

There is Power When We Stay Plugged in to Him

As you pray, study your Bible, worship, and spend time with other Christians, you will not only be “plugged in” to the true power source, but your will have His power flowing into your life. You will become more like Him. And you will be a light to the world that will draw others to Him.

Now, I can’t guarantee what your hair will look like….

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father:

Too many times we try to do things on our own power and strength when all along You are right there ready to take control. Why do we forget that? Your way is always better! Help us to let go and let You be in charge. We want to draw closer to You every day, so we can be filled with Your power and Your Spirit. We need You, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN