Finding the Strength to Keep Going When You’re Emotionally Worn Out

Hey there, friend! Feeling emotionally drained? Like your spiritual battery is running on empty, and you’re tempted to throw in the towel? You’re not alone. In this punchy guide, inspired by Pastor Rick’s timeless message, we’ll dive into four practical strategies straight from God’s Word to recharge and press on. These aren’t fluffy ideas—they’re battle-tested truths to help you endure. Let’s get into it! 🚀

Two Inspiring Examples of Determination 🔥

Before we jump into the how-to’s, check out these powerhouse examples from Scripture. They show real determination in the face of tough times.

1. Jesus’ Unwavering Resolve Against Opposition

Jesus didn’t back down, even when threats came His way. He declared:

“And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”’” (Luke 13:32-33 ESV)

Jesus kept going—today, tomorrow, and beyond—focused on His mission. If He could push through opposition, so can you!

2. Paul’s Grit Through Pain and Persecution

Paul faced nonstop troubles but refused to quit. He wrote:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV)

Knocked down? Get up and keep going. Paul’s story reminds us: God’s presence turns pain into perseverance.

1. Honestly Tell God What You’re Feeling 🙌

Bottling up emotions? Stop that! Unload it all on God—He can handle it.

“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

• God Already Knows Every Emotion You Feel
  “he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.” (Psalm 33:15 ESV)
• God Understands Your Feelings Better Than You Do!
  “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9 ESV)
• God Loves to Listen to You
  “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2 ESV)

Pour it out anytime: 

“Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:17 ESV)

He’s compassionate: 

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13 ESV)

Go ahead—cry it out: 

“Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street.” (Lamentations 2:19 ESV)

Pro Tip: Be raw and real in prayer. God isn’t shocked—He’s your safe space.

2. Humbly Ask God for Strength 🛡️

Feeling weak? Don’t fake it—ask boldly for His power. He’s the ultimate source!

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4 ESV)

“With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.” (Job 12:13 ESV)

Rest in Him: 

“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5 ESV)

He responds: 

“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” (Psalm 138:3 ESV)

Look at Daniel’s story: 

“And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.’ And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ‘Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.’” (Daniel 10:11-12 ESV)

The Attitude That Moves God to Answer: Humility

Humble yourself, seek His face, and watch strength flow in. 💥

3. Gratefully Thank God for What’s Good Despite the Bad 🌟

Bad days happen, but gratitude shifts your focus. Worship even in the storm!

“When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.” (Psalm 69:32 ESV)

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

Job’s example in grief: 

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20-22 ESV)

Job stayed grateful because:

• God is loving and cares for you: “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12 ESV)
• God has a detailed plan for your future: “For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.” (Job 23:14 ESV)
• God is in control of what you don’t understand: “Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?” (Job 34:13 ESV)
• God will reward you after you’re tested: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10 ESV)

Worship revives: 

“So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.” (Psalm 63:2 ESV)

Quick Hack: List three good things daily, even amid chaos. It works wonders!

4. Constantly Keep God as Your Focus 👀

Eyes off the mess, on the Messiah. Fix your gaze on the eternal—it’s your power source.

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” (Colossians 1:11 ESV)

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” (2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV)

Daily Reminder: Troubles are temporary; God’s glory lasts forever. Keep Him front and center!

Closing Prayer 🙏

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending strength when we’re worn out. Help us to honestly pour out our hearts, humbly seek Your power, gratefully praise You in every circumstance, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Renew our spirits today, and empower us to keep going no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.