When Your Energy Runs Out
We’ve all had those days where the alarm clock rings and you think, “Nope. Not today.” Life piles on responsibilities—work deadlines, kids’ homework, caring for family, even just keeping the house in some kind of order. It can leave you feeling like your tank is completely empty.
In those moments, Philippians 4:13 whispers hope: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This verse isn’t about being a superhero; it’s about learning to rely on God’s endless supply when ours is gone.
The Monday Marathon
Imagine it’s Monday morning. You barely slept, the laundry is still in the basket, and you spill coffee on your only clean blouse. Then comes the traffic jam. By the time you get to work, you’re frazzled and on the edge of tears.
We’ve all had a “Monday marathon” like this—when the smallest things feel impossible. And sometimes, the hardest part is just showing up.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
— Philippians 4:13
What This Verse Really Means
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted Bible verses, but it’s often misunderstood. It’s not a promise that you’ll crush every goal, ace every test, or nail every presentation. Instead, it’s Paul reminding us that through Christ, we can endure and accomplish whatever He calls us to—even the hard, messy, exhausting parts of life.
The key phrase is “through him who gives me strength.” Our culture tells us to “dig deep,” “find inner power,” or “just push through.” But this verse flips the script. It’s not about our limited strength—it’s about tapping into God’s unlimited one.
How to Draw Strength from God
So how do you actually live this out when your energy is gone and your patience is thinner than your morning coffee? Try these steps:
- Pause and pray. Before diving into panic or self-pity, take a deep breath and whisper: “Lord, I need Your strength right now.” Even a 10-second prayer can shift your focus.
- Break it down. Don’t look at the whole mountain—just take the next step. God doesn’t ask you to climb tomorrow’s challenges today.
- Stay connected. Surround yourself with people who point you back to Jesus when you forget where your strength comes from. Community matters.
- Rest without guilt. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap or go for a walk. God’s strength flows better through rested bodies and minds.
Selena Gomez’s Faith and Strength
Singer and actress Selena Gomez has openly shared about her struggles with lupus, anxiety, and depression. At one point, her health challenges forced her to step away from her career, and she admitted feeling completely drained—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
But she’s also spoken about how her faith in God and her belief in verses like Philippians 4:13 kept her grounded. In interviews, she has said, “I know that I’m enough because God loves me. I’ve learned to lean on Him when I can’t do it alone.”
Her journey shows that strength doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. It means admitting when you’re weak and letting God carry you through.
Too much? Yes. But God.
So the next time life feels like “too much,” remember that it doesn’t depend on your own reserves. You don’t have to force yourself to be strong all the time. You simply need to plug into the One who never runs out of power.
Philippians 4:13 is more than a motivational quote—it’s a survival guide for weary hearts. You can whisper it while driving to work, while folding laundry, or while wiping away tears. And it will remind you: With God I can.
Journaling Prompts
- What are the current “nightmares” or difficult circumstances in your life right now?
- In what ways do you need God’s strength to go through these challenges?
- Reflect on how this promise influences the way you live and make decisions.