When Your Soul Is Running on Empty

 When Your Soul Is Running on Empty

What to Do When You’re Spiritually Exhausted and In Need of Renewal

Hi sweet friend,

Have you ever felt like you’re giving everything you have—and still coming up short?

Like you’re pouring out encouragement, energy, and care for everyone else… but inside, you feel empty?

Maybe your prayers have gone quiet.
Maybe worship feels distant.
Maybe you still believe God is good, but if you’re honest… you don’t feel close to Him.

This isn’t something we like to admit—especially if we’re “the strong one,” the encourager, the one others lean on. But even the strongest get tired. Even the faithful grow weary. And spiritual exhaustion is real.

It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you need to be filled.

When You’re Pouring Out More Than You’re Receiving

There’s something beautiful about being someone who serves—who shows up for others with love and prayer and encouragement.
But when you’re constantly pouring out and rarely pausing to receive, your soul will eventually whisper: “I can’t keep this up.”

And that whisper? It matters.

Because God never asked you to live depleted.

📖 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

You weren’t designed to run on spiritual fumes.
You were made to live from the overflow of intimacy with Him.

So if you’re feeling spiritually dry or disconnected, here’s what I want you to know:

You are not broken. You’re just tired. And tired can be healed.

What Spiritual Exhaustion Can Look Like

Spiritual burnout doesn’t always look like a crisis. Sometimes it shows up subtly, like:

• Going through the motions but feeling disconnected from God

• Reading the Bible out of habit, not hunger

• Feeling more anxious than anchored

• Being overly reactive or emotionally numb

• Saying “yes” to everything—but secretly resenting it

• Feeling guilty for needing rest instead of seeing it as holy

Sound familiar?

Let’s name it so we can heal it.

How to Be Spiritually Refreshed Again

1. Let Go of the Pressure to Perform
Sometimes we carry this invisible pressure to “stay strong” in our faith—even when we’re barely holding on.

But God is not measuring your worth by your productivity.
He’s not asking you to perform.
He’s asking you to come close.

You don’t have to “get it together” to be near to Him.
You just have to come. As you are. Weary and worn out.

📖 “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15

2. Make Space for Holy Rest
Rest is not laziness.
It’s not weakness.
It’s actually an act of worship.

God modeled it on the seventh day. Jesus practiced it often. And your soul needs it.

Try carving out time this week—not just for physical rest, but for spiritual rest:

• Turn off the noise

• Go for a walk with no agenda

• Sit with your Bible, not to study—but just to listen

• Breathe deeply and whisper, “God, I need You.”

3. Receive Instead of Reach
Instead of trying to “reach” for God, what if you simply received His presence?

You don’t have to chase Him down. He’s already here.
Sometimes all you need is a deep breath and a whispered, “Jesus, be near.”

Let Him minister to you this time.

📖 “He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:3

📖 “A bruised reed He will not break.” — Isaiah 42:3

Journal Prompt: What’s Draining Me? What’s Feeding Me?

Take some quiet time to reflect:

• What in my life is consistently draining my energy or spirit?

• What rhythms, habits, or voices are keeping me from God’s peace?

• What moments or practices actually fill me with joy, rest, or spiritual connection?

Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight what needs to stay—and what may need to go.

Then write a simple prayer:

Lord, I’m tired. I’ve been trying to carry more than I was made for.
Help me lay it all down at Your feet.
Restore what’s been worn thin.
Remind me that I don’t have to earn Your presence—I just have to receive it.
Amen.

From My Heart to Yours

If your soul is weary, you’re not alone.
If your fire feels dim, that doesn’t disqualify you—it just means it’s time to let God breathe on the embers again.

Take a deep breath.
Take a small step.
Let Him meet you in the stillness.

You don’t have to keep running on empty.
Let your soul come home to the One who restores.

Next time, we’ll begin a new 3-part series on who God says you are as a woman—not what the world expects, not what comparison whispers, but who He truly created you to be.

We’ll explore identity, purpose, and the strength that comes from being rooted in truth.

Join me Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday as we walk through this series together. I pray it speaks life into your heart and reminds you just how deeply known and beautifully made you are.

You’re not just welcome here—you’re wanted here.
Can’t wait to dive in with you.

As always, drop a comment if you want prayer. I’d be honored to pray with you. We’re in this together, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

With so much love,
Ashley 🤍