Have you ever reached a point where you felt like you were running on empty? You know what I’m talking about. Those times in life when it takes all your energy just to get through the day.
That was me the last couple of weeks. I was tired and dealing with allergy symptoms. I had no inspiration when it came to my work in progress. Plus, no matter what I did to knock a few things off my to-do list, there were more that had to be added. I went to bed worn out, and I woke up in the morning already feeling tired.
I was running on empty and, frankly, it was getting frustrating.
That’s when God sent me a reminder at church – or maybe it was more like a kick in the pants.
You Can’t Pour Clean Water Into a Glass Full of Mud
That feeling of running on empty with nothing else to give? I’ve always associated it with negativity. It meant I had NO energy, NO creativity, NO passion.
But that Sunday morning, a song spoke to my heart. Keep Making Me written by David Frey, Ben McDonald, and Sam Mizell, had these lyrics: “Make me empty, so I can be filled.”
Wow. As we sang the song, all I could picture was a goblet full of muddy water. It was murky, making it impossible to even tell what was truly in the glass in the first place. That glass right there was my life at that moment in time. My head and my heart were so muddy, it was no wonder I couldn’t see my way through to the other side! And then pictured God waiting patiently for the goblet to be emptied so He could pour some of the purest, clearest water into it instead.
That’s when it hit me: Being empty isn’t a bad thing. Maybe sometimes we need to be emptied so that God can fill us back up again. Only then can we truly see and taste what He has to offer.
Suddenly, running on empty didn’t seem so negative. Instead, I found myself excited by the thought of fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a rediscovered excitement in my writing.
Encouragement is Everywhere
Our pastor spoke about how important it is for us to encourage the people around us. Even the smallest thing that doesn’t mean a lot to you can make a world of difference to the person you spend time with. That was certainly true for me that day at church. God took the testimony of a young woman I didn’t know, songs written by people I’d never heard of until that day, and the wise words of our pastor to orchestrate an answer to a prayer my aching heart had been desperate to hear.
It reminded me that God whispers encouragement to us each and every day. I pray I’ll go forward more open to those little reminders that He’s always there, confident that He’s got something amazing He’s just waiting to pour into my life.
When you’re so stressed that you feel like you’re running on empty, remember that you can’t pour something new into a cup that’s already full. Instead of focusing on all the things in life that aren’t going the way you think they should, watch for those subtle reminders from God that He’s in control. That He has plans for you. He wants to fill you with His inspiration, patience, and joy.
~
Marrying Mandy
I’ve got two different projects I’ve been working on over the last couple of months. My latest Christian romance, Marrying Mandy, is up on Kindle Scout right now. I’d love it if you’d head over there and nominate it. If you’re not familiar with Kindle Scout, each book has a 30-day campaign. At the end of that campaign, if Amazon chooses it, then everyone who nominated it gets a free copy. Pretty neat, right? Every vote counts, and I truly appreciate yours!
This book was so much fun to write! Here’s a little more about it:
Preston’s heart aches for the woman he’s loved for years. Mandy’s on the verge of losing the only real home she’s ever known. Frustrated by her stubborn refusal to let him help, he’s certain they are stronger together than they are apart. A marriage of convenience might be crazy… or an answer to both their prayers.
~
Fall Into Romance
The other project I’ve been working on is the first collection I’ve been involved in. Fall Into Romance has been an amazing experience! The novellas that I, along with nine talented authors, put together have been so much fun. This set is available for pre-order for only $0.99 and will release October 5th!
* These novellas are NOT Christian/inspirational. However, they are sweet/clean.
Surround yourself in the romance of the autumn season with 10 heartwarming, sweet novellas from USA Today, national bestselling, and award-winning authors with a foreword by Susan Hatler, New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author.
Each story takes you inside the heart of a small town—its people—and features adorable animal friends in need of a forever home.
Take a trip to Romance, Oregon, where falling in love has never been easier and happily-ever-after is guaranteed!
We’re having a party to celebrate the release of Fall Into Romance.
I hope you’ll consider joining us! There’ll be prizes, giveaways, games, and much more!
Sherri G says
Great devotional, Melanie. Thank you for that. Marrying Mandy does look like a good book so I nominated it. I also checked out the kindle scout program since I didn’t know how it works. It looks like a cool program. I read ARC copies of 4 of the novellas in Fall into Romance and they were all very good.
Laura says
Thanks for your words Melanie! They were inspiring.
Diana says
Thanks for your encouragement!! God bless you!
Lori Smanski says
wow this is a really great post. A wonderful reminder. Thank you for sharing
Tracey Hagwood says
You had me at Running on Empty, a wonderful post.
I don’t want to be that muddy glass, but filled with all the goodness God can pour into me.
Just what I needed today, thank you Melanie!
lelandandbecky says
Nominated Marrying Mandy. Great encouraging post! Thank you for sharing.
Liwen says
Such a great reminder! I think my glass has been muddy too lately. Thanks for sharing, Melanie!
Margaret Nelson says
Great post!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thank you, Sherri. I’d really been struggling with a lot of things until God laid this on my heart. I know the glass will become muddy again, and I’m hoping I can remember this when it does! Thank you for nominating Marrying Mandy and for checking out the ARC copy of Fall Into Romance!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thank you, Laura. I hope you have a blessed day!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thank you, Diana! I hope you have a great day!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thanks, Lori, for reading. Have a wonderful day!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thank you, Tracey. I hope it will remind me when my glass becomes muddy again, as I know it will! <3
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thanks for your nomination! <3
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thanks, Liwen! I hope your day is a blessed one!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thanks for reading, Margaret!
Lucy Reynolds says
Very inspiring. ?
Trixi says
That’s the inspiration I needed today! Been feeling a bit like what you have Melanie, now I know I can wait for the refilling God has for me. I hate feeling sluggish and have no energy, you don’t want to do anything or go anywhere. You have me looking at it in a new way, so thanks for that!
I nominated your book on Kindle Scout, here’s to a win for you! Blessings!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Have a blessed day, Lucy. Thanks for reading!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Hi Trixi,
I’m sorry you’ve been going through such a difficult, muddy time in your life. It’s so hard to go through everything you don’t have the energy to face it some days. I pray that God will fill you up with a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and inspiration. Hang in there!
And thank you for nominating Mandy, I appreciate it!
Have a blessed day! <3
LeAnne Bristow says
Great post Melanie! What a wonderful reminder. I’ve been feeling close to empty myself lately. You’ve changed my whole outlook today. Thanks!
Melanie D. Snitker says
I’m glad it’s helped, LeAnne! I hope things get better for you and you are filled with new energy and inspiration soon!
Jackie Smith says
Great Post, Melanie…..thanks for sharing. Blessings on your day! Will nominate your book.
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thank you, Jackie!
Rachael Birch says
My former youth pastors. They are two of the hardest working, sweetest and most welcoming people I have ever met. They don’t put themselves above any one. They have a servants heart, and often place the needs of others above their own. Both are highly intelligent, and he is a very successful man in his field. As an immigrant in the 70’s, he worked his way up in his company, from the lowest point, as a car wash attendant. He now travels the USA to teach and train others.
She is the most welcoming person I know. Doors are always open, and she goes out of her way to help those in need.
Needless to say, if you would point any of this out to either of them, they would deflect it with “God’s grace and favor”. Every time.
And at least one of them would be embarrassed to know they are being bragged on here. Lol
Rachael B
Christine Battaglio says
Excellent post! I let mud clog up my inner being and needed God’s cleansing to empty me for His infilling. Thank you!
Melanie D. Snitker says
Thanks so much for sharing, Rachael! <3 People like that are such an inspiration!
Melanie D. Snitker says
It’s so hard to keep the mud from clogging up our thoughts and inspiration. Praise God for always being there for us!