Running on Empty

“You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in.”

Pastor Michael explores the tension between feeling spiritually empty and God's promise of an overflowing cup in Psalm 23. Through humor, personal stories, and the biblical account of King David's darkest moments, this message addresses why we often feel like we're "running on empty" spiritually and how God wants to fill us to overflowing.

Key Topics Covered

The Fuel Light Challenge

• Opening illustration about internet challenges and the "Fuel Light Challenge"
• How we live spiritually like we drive on empty - pushing through warning signs
• The cycle of telling ourselves "things will slow down after this week"

Understanding Psalm 23:5

• Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs
• The significance of an overflowing cup as God's generous provision
• David's promise: "My cup runs over" vs. our reality of feeling empty

The Story of The Broken King

• King David's betrayal by his son Absalom
• David's flight from Jerusalem and his moment of despair
• The birth of Psalm 42 in David's wilderness experience
• How David moved from "Why is my soul cast down?" to hope in God\

When Your Cup Runs Dry

• Common areas where we feel empty: money, energy, and timeThe danger of carrying burdens God never asked us to carry
• Understanding God's pruning process in our lives
• Recognizing our human limitations (even Jesus needed rest)

Key Quotes

• "You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in"
• "God does not ask you to pour out what you don't have. He's inviting you to be filled"
• "Instead of being too blessed to be stressed, we are too tired to be inspired"
• "There are no heroes when your cup runs dry. There is only an empty cup and God to fill it"
• "God can work with breadcrumbs of time"

Scripture References

Primary Text:

• Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

Supporting Passages:

• Psalm 42:1-3, 5
• Ephesians 2:10
• Matthew 11:28

Practical Applications

• Start small: worship in the car, read one verse while coffee brews
• Look for cracks in your day to fill with God
• Be intentional about finding time for spiritual filling
• Ask God what needs to go - what you're carrying that He never asked you to carry
• Bring your empty cup to God instead of trying to shake drops from it

Personal Stories Shared

• Pastor's experience with work stress and finding time for worship during commutes
• Preparing sermons during lunch breaks while eating reheated pasta
• The ongoing struggle with time, energy, and balancing ministry with secular work

Historical Context

• Background on King David as shepherd, warrior, king, and songwriter
• David's authorship of approximately half of the 150 PsalmsThe cultural significance of Psalm 23 over 3,000 years

For Further Reflection

• Where in your life do you feel like you're "running on empty"?
• What burdens might you be carrying that God never asked you to carry?
• How can you create small moments throughout your day to be filled by God?
• What needs to be pruned from your life to make room for what God wants to pour in?

This message is part of the "Overflowing" series at ReCreate Church, exploring how God wants to fill our lives to abundance rather than leaving us running on spiritual fumes.