8 Scriptures to Pray When Your Glass is Empty

I flop into the driver’s seat of the van for what seems like the billionth time this week, resigning myself to yet another busy day.

As I begin my mental list of complaints to the Lord, I catch the words of Toby Mac’s latest song, Move:

Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet

Holding back hot tears, I think yes, this is what I feel like - a soldier - a weary, weary soldier.

It’s the refrain of my life lately and likely the refrain of your life, too, since the Word claims that our battle is real! We fight against more than flesh and blood; we fight against the very forces of evil. We fight against our own sin nature, too!

That fight can drain a person.

That fight often leaves a person with a glass that is empty, but a plate still full of responsibilities.

Most days, I’m thankful for the power of Christ in me to “keep walkin’.” But some days I desperately want rest. In fact, every few days I throw one of those adult mind-fits - you know, the kind of temper tantrum you can’t see on the outside, but boy, is it brewing on the inside!

On those tough days, I find myself constantly crying out to the Lord for rescue, and as frustrated as I am with my failures, it’s a good reminder of my work-in-progress status and my need for a Savior. 🙂

If you find yourself in a season of life that requires much of you, friend, cling to these scriptures below. Pray them at every opportunity so that you can keep walkin’!

8 Scriptures to Pray When Your Glass Is Empty

He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB

Father God, I feel so weary lately, as if I have nothing left to give. But I know that the enemy’s favorite phrase for me is “you can’t.” Help me to combat that lie with the truth that I already have all of the strength I need in You.

You are the Everlasting God who never grows tired or weary. You give strength to all who need it! Help me to wait on you alone, Lord, so that I can mount up with wings like eagles.

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart… Luke 18:1 NASB

Father, help me to remember that prayer is a powerful weapon. Don’t let me take prayer and time with You for granted.

I know that when I fail to abide in You, I’m setting myself up for failure because I cannot bear fruit on my own. Remind me that I must remain in constant prayer if I don’t want to lose heart!

[W]e are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;… 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NASB

Father, when catastrophe comes my way, when disappointment strikes, and when I’m tempted to despair, help me to remember the truth of this promise!

I may feel afflicted, perplexed, or persecuted, but I believe You will not allow me to be crushed or destroyed. You alone have the victory over sin, Satan, and this world – that battle is already won! Help me to realize such feelings are only temporary and do not have the power to destroy me.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB

Father, You have promised to complete the work that you began in us at salvation (Phil. 1:6). When I get frustrated with my body or with my own sin nature, remind me of the truth of my work-in-progress identity.

Even when I don’t see the progress, Lord, I know that You are renewing me day by day as I place my trust in You.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9 NASB

Father, if I’m honest, I grow weary of doing good, of serving others, of choosing right. Often I just want my own way. Often I desire a break from the burdens of life. Forgive me for my sin and selfishness, Lord. Your Word promises that if I do not give up, I will reap a harvest. Help me to persevere in the tough times. Help me to keep in mind the eternal reward rather than temporary comforts.

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 NASB

Father, when the life seems to conspire against me, let me look to your Son. Nothing I suffer here on this earth will ever compare to the suffering your Son endured because of my sin, yet He willingly paid the price.

Let me rejoice in the gift of salvation and my new-creation status!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mt. 11:28-30 NASB

Father God, we hear this scripture so often that it’s easy to gloss over the truth. Our unbelief causes us to doubt that a yoke could be easy or a burden could be light.

But the Word claims a supernatural power for those who come to You weary and heavy-laden. Let us lay down all striving and conniving and take up Your truth instead. Thank you for Your unfailing love!

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Rom. 8:26-27 NASB

Heavenly Father, I thank You that I don’t have to speak the “right” words for you to hear my prayers. When tears constrict my throat so that I can no longer speak, Your Spirit intercedes on my behalf.

You alone know what is best for me, Lord, and I trust that even if I ask for things that will not bring good to me, You will keep them from my path.

Friend, I pray these verses bring some comfort to your weary soul today. I’ll be honest - I find a few of them quite challenging myself.

If you have a full plate this week, fill your glass from the only Source that never runs dry.

Move, soldier.

Jen 🙂