We’ve all experienced it. You’re deep in conversation and suddenly notice your phone battery is in that thin red margin and sinking fast. Ugh! When this happens, I frantically run for the charging station, praying I can connect in time. Once that battery climbs back into the green zone, I can breathe easy.

There’s nothing worse than having your phone go dead in the middle of a conversation. It always seems to happen on an important call—which is a terrible time to say, “My phone is running out.” Makes it sound like your phone got mad and eloped with your flash drive just to teach you a lesson!

No one likes to feel unprofessional, unprepared, or just plain flaky, right? We don’t want someone to think we’re disinterested or just hung up. But our devices need power and a lost connection is a sure sign we waited too long to plug into the energy source.

It’s not hard to see where I’m headed with this. For me, as a pastor’s wife, mom, grandma, and ministry leader, my spiritual battery can run dangerously low. There are telltale signs. A quick temper, a panic attack, a fit of jealousy. A sleepless night followed by a day full of groans, sighs, and yawns. I am trying on my own to do what I don’t have the strength to do. It isn’t unusual for us as women to feel this way.

What do you rely on to recharge you?

It’s easy to reach for that shot of espresso, or chocolate, or a bit of online retail therapy to get that quick surge of energy we crave. Maybe we look to our families to fill us up, only to find time and again, that none of these sources provide lasting strength. A quick burst? Yes, but then I am left feeling rundown, let down, discouraged, guilty.

Only one source is strong enough to fully recharge my spiritual and emotional battery. That is why, in the middle of a muddle, soon as I recognize my symptoms, I must run—not walk—to Him! No catalog of the latest fashions, or coffee break, or binge-watching Netflix will do.

The One who fills me up is the One who made me. He understands and knows every detail about what concerns me. He promises and He always comes through. “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:29).

Right now you may feel like you need a nap, and maybe you do! Maybe you feel weak and your knees are knocking, but He says do not fear. You may be at a loss over what to do in a difficult circumstance or relationship. He promises to give wisdom. But here’s the catch. You must plug into HIM.

Make time to plug in!

Make Him your first appointment of the day. Plug into His Word, take time to listen and pray. Don’t wait until your energy is in that thin red margin, sinking fast.

Ask the Lord for wisdom and strength. He may not remove what you’re facing but He will certainly give you what you need. And what you need most of all is the power of His presence and strength filling you up, walking with you every step of the way.

*  *  *

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29