(by Lorie Codispoti)
When was the last time you experienced a power outage?
Living through a natural disaster is challenging enough, but the prolonged power outages that can result only add to the intense level of mental stress.
We have experienced many power outages out here in the boonies. They have come in every season, so being prepared for their unwanted visitation is very important. While it may be fun to light candles and camp out next to the wood stove for a night or two in the middle of a snowstorm, most of us are not equipped to handle a prolonged event.
Why?
Because power outages are not limited to the physical realm.
Unpredictable spiritual storms can take our Power out too. And if we’re not prepared, we can be overwhelmed by the darkness. The question isn’t whether or not the storms will come; the question is how will we respond when the Light goes out?
Think about some of your go-tos for relief when you feel physically, emotionally or psychologically drained (the very definition of stress). We all have them.
We rely on certain mechanisms to help us relieve the stress that accompanies this life. My husband enjoys going outside and splitting wood when he is stressed. Our son also enjoys splitting wood when he comes to visit. He also enjoys playing his guitar, and opportunities to sit at a coffee shop with a good book. My daughter would always bake or escape into a good book when she was younger. Now she finds that hiking with her dog helps to recharge her batteries. And me? I can literally feel the strain ease up and melt away when I can go out on a long walk or escape into something creative.
Goodness knows we all need help when it comes to relieving the stressors that plague us in this life. When you find a healthy and beneficial way to stave off the negative effects of stress it can be a huge blessing.
But, here’s the thing about those go-to stress relievers: They don’t last.
Your short-term stress relief is not meant to carry you through a long-term power outage. It will not see you through the storms that throw your life off course.
So, if finding relief isn’t the key, what is?
Light!
Every artisan knows how critical light is to their design.
There’s a scene in a movie I like, where a famous architect is trying to reconnect with his estranged son - who is also making a name for himself in the architectural world. Before he dies, the father wants to pass on the secret to his success…
“A truly great structure, one that is meant to stand the tests of time never disregards its environment. A serious architect takes that into account. He knows that if he wants presence, he must consult with nature. He must be captivated by the light. Always the light.”
Believers, Jesus is our Light! (“I am the light of the world…” Jn.8:12)
We too need to recognize and harness the source of Light if we hope to be built into a structure that reflects it (1Pet.2:5). If we’re not captivated by the Light resident in God’s Son, then we will succumb to the darkness. Our short term, go-to mechanisms for relief are simply not enough to stay the course and weather the storms that can take us by surprise.
Jesus’ light is no secret, however. He’s given every believer the access code to punch into the keypad of our hearts when the power goes out. Part of that code includes two actions:
1. COME (“Come away with Me…and rest” (Mk.6:31-32) / “Come to Me…I will give you rest” (Mtt.11:28).)
Both of these passages imply a kind of relief that provides much more than a short term recharge. When we come to Jesus He restores us. His Light replenishes what the darkness attempts to steal.
2. ABIDE “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (Jn.8:31-32).)
This abiding is a continual, ongoing thing. In Psalm 91 the writer says this type of abiding provides a refuge and fortress. Notice, also, that abiding in Jesus’ word enables us to discern truth and make us free.
For the past four years my disability has prevented me from exercising my go-to relievers. I pray that I will be able to enjoy them again one day, but during this prolonged power outage I have discovered the restorative benefits of coming away with Christ and abiding in His presence. And the beauty of His Light never ceases to captivate my heart.
The next time your power goes out, I encourage you to turn off the short-term relief and turn on the Light that will restore your soul.
Remember, it’s "always the Light!"
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