The privilege of power

“You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35

Power: the ability to do something or act in a particular way, energy that is produced by mechanical, electrical, or other means

My Abba,

The crushing snowstorm we endured in Texas this last winter brought us to our knees. Many of us spent days without power and water, coping with weather I have not seen here in my lifetime.

 This experience gave me the opportunity to think about the idea of power. I don’t think I fully realized how I took for granted ready access to power. I didn’t appreciate what I always had. For days I continued to mindlessly flip on light switches in dark rooms. Why? I have become accustomed to the privilege of power. 

A convicting parallel just crept up on me while I wasn’t looking. At times, I think I take access to your power in my life for granted. I don’t appreciate you like I should. I know you are always there. You don’t make a run for it when the lights go out. (You are infinitely more dependable than the power company.) I love your constancy. You are steadfast and faithful – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Your unswerving devotion and the matchless privilege of your power should leave me endlessly awestruck. But unfortunately, that is not always the case. Please forgive me and transform me.  I want to be more keenly aware and deeply grateful for who you are and what you offer me. Please give me a heart that revels in the riches of your power.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

I know you can’t be fully aware at all times of the incredible gifts of my power that I am offering you. I empower you by my Spirit each day to live for me.

I empower you to love, to experience joy, to rest, to persevere, to speak, to remain silent. I empower you to be patient, to enjoy peace, to be kind, to listen. I empower you to be courageous, wise, merciful, generous, and faithful. There are far too many expressions of my power in your life to mention. I am ready, willing and able to give you the power you need in every situation to live for my glory.

Don’t let the daily rhythms of your life rock you to sleep. Sometimes, the repetitive, mundane beats can be hypnotic, distracting you from the adventure of life with me. You can lose sight of my presence and the power I offer you.

Don’t let the discomforting chords of struggle steal your joy. Sometimes, the music of your life can be dissonant. The notes of your circumstances can be painful. You struggle to hear my voice above the heart-rending refrain. You can lose sight of my presence and the power I offer you.

Don’t let the infatuating notes of pleasure mesmerize you. I want you to enjoy wonderful experiences. But I want them to point you to me. Sometimes in your journey, the happiest of melodies can whisk your heart away. Your circumstances can be pleasing like a beautiful sonata where one magnificent note falls into another. You can lose sight of my presence and the power I offer you.

I want to captivate your gaze, no matter what the soundtrack of your life is playing. I am your one true power source. The power you can produce on your own is like a flickering candle to my sun. Don’t settle for living life in your own strength. I can empower you to live a supernatural life brimming with the powerful gifts of my Spirit. That is a life that will satisfy your soul.

I love you,

Abba

photo: suprirattana

NIV