For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

“This one’s not working,” my four-year-old friend pointed to a bulb placed on the edge of her Lite-Brite Toy. 

“It’s working,” I reassured her. As I moved the bulb to the center, we watched the light become brighter. “It just needed to be closer to the power source.” 

Our afternoon of designing images on her Lite-Bright frame gave me a beautiful analogy for our power source—the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul often spoke of the Spirit’s power at work in the lives of believers. In his letter to Timothy he wrote these words:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

Paul originally penned these words to Timothy, an evangelist in the early church. Timothy had many reasons to be timid. He was young as an evangelist, he suffered from frequent illnesses, and he lived in a culture which persecuted Christians. 

We may face different challenges than Timothy, but we received the same promise. The Greek word translated as “power”, dunamis, denotes power, strength, or ability. In the New Testament it is often used to describe the Holy Spirit. I believe the early Christians personally experienced the Spirit’s power in such a way that it enabled them to lead faithful and godly lives.

For many years in my Christian walk I missed out on the power of the Holy Spirit. I knew things about the Holy Spirit, but I didn’t have a relationship with Him. I prayed to God in Jesus’ name. When I needed direction I turned to Scripture and the wise counsel of spiritual people. None of this was wrong—just incomplete. Like my friend’s dimly lit bulb, I wasn’t close to the power source. And so my Christian walk often felt like it “wasn’t working” (you can read a post about that here). 

So to help me experience the power of the Spirit, I learned to start my day with a time of silence and solitude—a time away from noise and distractions. I try to be still and simply listen to the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on different situations in my life, I pray to surrender them to the Lord’s will. Often I pray for the Spirit to infuse me with His power, love, and self-discipline. These quiet moments have become the most powerful ones of my day. They help me set my mind and heart so I am more aware of the Spirit’s activity in my life.

Learning to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit doesn’t come easily. But the more we step out in faith, the more confident we will become. It will have the same effect as moving a bulb closer to the source of power. Our Christian walk will feel like “it’s working” and we will shine much brighter than before. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Help us discern and recognize His presence and guidance so we can fully experience His power. We pray for the Spirit to infuse us with His power, love, and self-discipline as we strive to do Your will. We ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.