When You’re Running on Empty, God Has Plenty

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and not recognized the person staring back?

That was me—a weary, overwhelmed mother surrounded by piles of undone chores. Laundry waiting to be folded, dishes stacked in the sink, carpets that needed vacuuming. But the real weight wasn’t in the chores; it was in my heart. Who is she? I wondered.

I felt so empty and depleted. I had given so much that it drained me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And sometimes, I loved so deeply that I carried others’ burdens as well.

The Reality of Burnout

You know the feeling: running on empty, with nothing left to give. Not an ounce of strength remains. Even the thought of moving forward feels impossible.

Culture tells us to dig a little deeper—to find strength within ourselves. But when you search, you find nothing left. You cannot muster the strength to get through this on your own.

That’s when we remember: God is waiting. And He will carry us through.

Strength That Comes From God

Philippians 4:13 says:

“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (CSB)

Paul knew there would be seasons of plenty and seasons of deep need. Yet, he encourages us to focus not on our lack, but on the strength God freely provides.

God never runs dry. He always has plenty.

He sees your emptiness, weakness, and longing.
He knows your difficult circumstances.
He will meet you in the middle of the mess.
Only He can fill your heart and soul.

3 Steps to Invite God’s Strength

If you’re running on empty today, here are three simple but powerful steps you can take:

1. Name Your Emptiness Before God

Don’t run or hide from it. Write down what’s draining you and lay it honestly before Him.

2. Pray for His Power

Pray: God, fill me with Your power. Strengthen me to endure today. Help me walk the path forward.

3. Memorize Philippians 4:13

Keep this verse close. Repeat it whenever you feel your strength fading. Let it remind you of the Source of your endurance.

A Promise for the Weary

Romans 8:26 gives us this hope:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

God does His best work in the trenches of emptiness and longing.

When you are weak, He is strong.
When you are empty, He is enough.
When you can’t carry on, He carries you.

Friend, if you’re running on empty, take heart: God has plenty.