When the Power Goes Out

I think it’s safe to say that in our technology-driven society, we’re constantly on the move. We don’t have patience. We don’t take the time to stop and admire the magnitude of what is at our disposal. All that matters is getting where we need to go regardless of the feelings of others or whether we really need these things at all.

Then, the power goes out. Our world runs on electricity. We’ve all become accustomed to the numerous comforts provided by the electric currents flowing through our homes and devices. Without electricity, we don’t have television, heating and air conditioning, or internet. The food in our refrigerators begins to spoil. Our microwaves are useless. Many of us can’t even take a shower or wash our hands without running electricity.

What are we left with? Darkness, frigid darkness. It’s a claustrophobic sensation to have only the night and the dark at your disposal. You feel helpless. What are you supposed to do without electricity? Read a book? Sleep? There aren’t many options. You can go to town, assuming they aren’t without power as well, but eventually you’ll have to come back to the cold, black house you left behind.

Being so restricted is maddening. How can a person even function without such basic necessities? That’s when you remember that people have coped without any form of electricity for all but one hundred fifty years or so. Of course, most of their time was spent in the field, at work, or in communal meeting places. They didn’t waste hours in front of computer screens like we do.

And yet, as sequestered as we may feel without electric power, there is yet something better. Darkness is pervasive, but there’s always a light coming. We all rejoice when the power company gets into gear and fixes the situation. But that’s not what I’m talking about. Am I thankful when the electric comes back and things return to what we call normal? Yes. I’m glad when the power company comes through, but I’m thankful to God to have any light at all.

The miserable darkness of a house without electricity is frustrating. But it’s far more devastating to walk in the dark spiritually. There’s no hope in that bleak existence except Jesus Christ. Only in Him do have an outlet that will bear the burden of our sins. Only in Him do we have the spark of eternal life. Only the Lord our God can light the fire in our hearts, set aflame the dastardly things we keep, and invigorate our souls with the light of hope.

“This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)

“Then Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)

So, yes, I’m definitely pretty happy when the power company gets everything up and running again. But I’m thankful to Him that I know light at all, that in Him I know longer dwell in the darkness. And I’m thankful to Him also that the power company does not delay any longer than they do, because I do appreciate having a working fridge, rejuvenating heat, running water, and access to the internet, television, and games. I wouldn’t be able to submit these posts without Him and His allowance!

So that’s where I am today. I’m thankful to Him that I can, at last, make this post. I’m thankful to Him that although losing electricity is disheartening, losing or not knowing Him would be far worse. I’m thankful to God, my Lord Jesus Christ, that I have my eyes yet upward, not putting my hopes in the powers below.

Thank You, Father, for restoring my sight. Thank You, Jesus, for granting me Your light and hope. Thank You that I may know that the Spirit, the Great Comforter/Counselor, dwells within me because I have believed on You. Thank You that I know each day, You are working within me to make my spirit more like Jesus and less like my sinful, selfish, impatient self.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

There is always a light in the darkness, my friends. Have you found Him?