As I write this, only half my house has power. The other half does not - courtesy of the many atmospheric rivers we’ve enjoyed these past few weeks. 

While it may not be a flood, mud, or any of the other tragic things we’ve seen in the news, it’s definitely been uncomfortable and inconvenient. Especially when your tankless water heater and central heat are hooked up to the lines that don’t have power, and it’s 50 degrees outside (don’t ask me how cold it is inside - my thermostat is affected too). #coldshower

Half power is good, it’s better than no power… but it’s not great. You can only run so many surge protectors to the outlets that do work before running out of space, or worse, blowing a fuse.

It made me wonder: how often do we plug into only half of God’s power?

Prayer on its own is good.
Church attendance on its own is good.
Participating in a small group on its own is good.
Reading the Bible on its own is good.

But having a rhythm that includes some combination of the four….is great. 

Not that there’s a perfect prescription for connecting with our Father, but that’s the point: connecting with Him.

He’s there. Are we fully plugged in?

God is not surprised by how our lives look today. He knew there would be text messages, Netflix, Instagram and TikTok, busy work schedules, and destination vacations. He knew keeping our focus on Him would require effort, so He gave us various resources. All because He loves us so much, He wants to spend time with us.

One of my mentors gave me an illustration that has forever changed how I interact with the Father. She said when the temptation to stay in bed comes, she pictures Jesus waiting for her at her breakfast table. When she feels the urge to hurry out the door to work, she pictures Him still waiting. To connect. To converse. To help her set her day. To remind her she’s loved, and that He’s got today covered. (Matthew 6:6)

He’s there. Are we fully plugged in?

I read a few articles that shared how young children today are behind on their emotional intelligence because they share their parents’ attention with a screen. They mirror our lack of emotions as we scroll. Being in the same room with our kids is good, but being fully present is great. (Isaiah 54:13)

He’s there. Are we fully plugged in?

I do believe that Bible reading plans are good resources, but you have to acknowledge that something’s off when it becomes our goal to stay on track and check off boxes. Reading His Word is good, but meditating on His Word is great. (Psalm 1:2 and Psalm 119:78)

He’s there. Are we fully plugged in?

I am beyond grateful that my house still has some power. That there are outlets I can still plug into so I can work, play with my kids, and cook a meal (thank God for gas stoves!). But I know how much more productive I will be once my house is running on full power. 

Now imagine our faith running on full power. As another mentor, Alisa Keeton, has told me, “There’s nothing more dangerous than a man or woman fully living out their identity and claiming their inheritance as children of God.” 

I can’t love as well when I’m only running on half power.
I can’t serve as well when I’m only running on half power.
I can’t receive as well when I’m running only on half power. 

In the same way we find urgency to plug in our phones when the battery’s running low, or to grab coffee when our energy is dipping, friends, I invite you to choose to live this new year fully powered.

Don’t choose to settle for good when our Good Father created us for great. His desire is for us to live healthy and whole. Live fully plugged into the ultimate source of love, joy, peace, and comfort. January is a perfect time, but it’s not the only time to figure out good habits and rhythms. Keep refining your practice. Keep seeking Him. Stay plugged in.