When You're Running on Empty & Jesus Shows Up

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them!” (John 20:19 NLT)

Have you ever felt like you were running on empty—out of gas, weary, or just plain worn down? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Or, maybe you just feel like you've lost your passion when it comes to your faith.

After Jesus was crucified, his disciples were overwhelmed with fear and grief. They locked themselves away, uncertain of what the future held. Defeated. Discouraged. Depressed. In other words, they were running on empty.

But everything changed that Sunday evening. Jesus, alive again, stepped into the room and spoke four life-changing words: “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19).

The shift was immediate. Panic turned into peace. Fear became joy. Hopelessness was swallowed up by hope.

What changed? Jesus was present.

Their peace didn’t come from a moral code they kept. It didn’t come from religion. It didn’t come from success. Their peace was restored in the presence of a real person, Jesus. The presence of Jesus made all the difference.

The same is true for us today. When you feel drained, defeated, or distant, Jesus shows up. You don’t have to go looking for him—he is already with you. His presence fills empty places with courage, joy, and peace that goes beyond human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

If you feel like you’ve lost your passion in your faith walk… maybe just maybe you need the presence of Jesus. Going to church is great. Reading your Bible is incredible. But, if it doesn’t lead you into a deeper relationship with the very real, very present person, Jesus, then it’s just religious activity that you’re checking off a list.

I encourage you to seek HIM as you go to church. Seek HIM as you read your Bible. And, for that matter, seek HIM in all you do. Seek his presence. That’s what will make a difference in your life. That’s what will fill you with peace… not moral codes and religious activity.

I love that Jesus’ first words to his disciples weren’t words of criticism. He didn’t say, “Why did you abandon me?” or “Where were you when I needed you?” He didn’t shame them for their fear or failures. Instead, he offered peace.

And that’s exactly what he offers you today. When you’re running on empty and you’ve lost your passion, he doesn’t rebuke you—he restores you. He doesn’t put you down—he lifts you up.

Friend, you are not alone. You’ve never been alone. Right now, in this very moment, Jesus is with you. Are you aware of him? Will you invite him into your day?

I encourage you to let the presence of Jesus in. Be aware of him. Include him in your day. When the presence of Jesus enters the rooms of your heart... you will be filled with peace.