Like my computer, often times I allow my spiritual battery to get depleted. Sometimes I realize it before I’m completely drained, but sometimes, I ignore the signs and keep going on with my life. Like my laptop, once I’m depleted, empty, with nothing to offer anyone, of no use to myself or to anyone else I have no choice but to connect to a power source. Eventually, we too need a spiritual recharge.
I sat in Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago staring at the screen that would not turn on. No matter how hard I pushed the power button, my laptop just would not be bothered with me. I had come into the bookstore with the intention of getting some uninterrupted time to get some writing done, but here I was staring at a black screen and it was apparent that I would not be typing that day. I had ignored the warnings on my screen the previous night and now, I was going to have to suffer through this experience. My battery needed to be recharged and if it wasn’t, not only would this hinder my plans, but it would also hinder my productivity and perhaps even my attitude.
You see, we too have a battery life. We can only go so far or so long without recharging, reviving and realigning ourselves with the Power Source, the Lord God Almighty. And many of us ignore the warning signs, walking around drained, unable to function, looking beautiful on the outside but with nothing of meaning and substance to offer others because we are drained, empty and uncharged. So in the midst of life and all the things that have to get done whether I’m prepared or not, how do I even know that I need a spiritual recharge? For me, I have to I listen to my voice and I listen to the voice of those around me.
- Listen to my voice – When I’m depleted spiritually (i.e. I’ve not made spending time with God a priority), my patience is depleted. My voice is depleted. I seem to only be able to find grunts and screams and sometimes not so nice words. When I can no longer find my voice, I know then, it is time for me to recharge.
- Listen to the voice of those you love – Sometimes, I ignore my own voice because I tell myself that the people who annoyed me or made me lose my patience actually deserved it. And when my voice is lost in my own world, I can tune in to my core group of loved ones and they will surely tell me if I have been “extra” (extremely overbearing OR extremely distant) with them. Be prepared when you ask, because they will tell you the truth. Instead of getting offended or feeling indifferent, I take it as sign that I desperately need to recharge.
When I need a spiritual recharge, the best thing I can do for myself and for my loved ones is to:
- Spend some time getting into the presence of God – For me, this may be listening to praise and worship songs that speak to my spirit. It may also be time spent studying scripture, journaling, talking to God, or taking some alone time to think and refocus my thoughts.
How do you know when you need a spiritual recharge? What do you do to get charged back up?
I am greatly afflicted; Renew and revive me [giving me life],
O Lord, according to Your word.
Lord, I don’t want to wait until I’m on empty to fill up. I want to constantly be connected to You, my Source, my Power, my God. Help me not to wait on the final cues and warnings before I seek a spiritual recharge, but instead, let me constantly maintain my connection with you.
