Running on Empty, Held by Grace

There’s something about those early morning hours that feels extra heavy when you’re running on little sleep and a full heart. I remember mornings here in Tucson when the sun hadn’t even fully come up yet, and I was already awake—not because I wanted to be, but because someone needed me. Whether it was a hungry baby, a messy kitchen from the night before, or just the weight of the day ahead pressing in.

As moms—and especially in those seasons with little ones—we give and give and give. Some days feel like you’re pouring from a cup that’s already empty. You love your babies more than anything, but if we’re honest… it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and a little lonely too.

That’s why this devotional, Running on Empty, spoke right to my heart. Because it reminds us of something we often forget in the middle of the chaos: God meets us right there—in the tired, messy, beautiful moments of motherhood.

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Day one begins with a scene that so many of us know all too well—a tired mama waking up after a long night, hearing her baby cry, and dragging herself out of bed. That kind of exhaustion isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Life changes so quickly when you become a mother. Your time, your energy, your priorities… everything shifts.

And yet, in the middle of all that busyness and overwhelm, there’s an invitation:

to prioritize God, even when we don’t feel like it.

That’s where true refreshment begins.

The devotional points us to the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. Now Hagar wasn’t just tired—she was afraid, alone, and uncertain about her future. Sitting by a well in the wilderness, she had no idea what was coming next.

But God met her there.

He didn’t wait for her to have it all together. He didn’t ask her to clean herself up first. He came to her in her distress and spoke life over her situation. He told her she would have a son and that his name would be Ishmael—meaning “God hears.”

Let that sink in for a minute.

God hears.

He hears the quiet prayers you whisper while rocking your baby.

He hears the tears you wipe away while folding laundry.

He hears the worries that keep you up at night.

Just like Hagar, you are not unseen. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.

Genesis 16:11 reminds us:

“Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction.”

And Psalm 62:8 gently invites us:

“Trust in him at all times… pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

That means right in the middle of your everyday routine—washing dishes, picking up toys, making meals—you can talk to Him. You don’t need a perfect quiet time or a spotless house. You just need a willing heart.

One of the most beautiful takeaways from this devotional is this simple prayer:

“Speak, Lord, for Your daughter is listening.”

There’s something powerful about pausing—even for just a moment—and inviting God into your day. When you do, His words can bring peace in a way nothing else can. Like a gentle balm over a weary soul.

And here’s a promise to hold onto in those overwhelming moments:

2 Thessalonians 1:11 reminds us that God will give you the power to do what He has called you to do.

That includes motherhood.

You may feel like you’re running on empty… but with Him, you are never without strength.

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• You don’t need perfect conditions to connect with God—talk to Him right in the middle of your day.

• When you feel overwhelmed, remember: God hears you, just like He heard Hagar.

• Keep a simple prayer in your heart: “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.”

• Write down verses or moments where you feel God speaking to you—it builds encouragement over time.

• Give yourself grace in this season—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also hard, and God is walking it with you.