How To Keep Your Tank Filled Instead of Running on Empty - Part 2

October 13, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

How to Keep Your Tank Filled Instead of Running on Empty – Part 2

When you come to Jesus with nothing left to give—empty soul, empty heart, empty of character—he does not scold, judge, or reprimand. He does the opposite. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says: "If you're tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me. And I will give you rest." Not more to do. Not a longer to-do list. Rest. And he is not talking about physical rest—you can be physically rested and still feel empty inside. He means rest for your soul.

Pastor Rick Warren walks through the steps Jesus gives for refilling your tank when you are running on fumes. The passage contains three commands: come, take, and learn. Each corresponds to a step.

Step One: Get Fed Up With How You've Been Feeling

Nothing changes until you become dissatisfied with your current state. Warren argues that people only change for three reasons: pain, perspective, or no other choice. "We don't change when we see the light," he says. "We change when we feel the heat." You stay in familiar emptiness because the fear of change exceeds the pain—until it doesn't.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:02) **Introduction to the Series and Topic** - Pastor Rick introduces the continuation of the series *Strategies for Stressful Times* and the message "How to Keep Your Tank Filled Instead of Running on Empty."
2 (01:15) **The Key Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30** - Pastor Rick reads the foundational passage where Jesus invites the tired and burdened to come to Him for rest.
3 (04:42) **Step 1: Get Fed Up With How You've Been Feeling** - The first step to change is becoming dissatisfied with your current state of emptiness.
4 (11:02) **The Prerequisite for Jesus' Help** - Jesus's offer of rest is conditional on admitting you are tired and in need.
5 (14:04) **Step 2: Come to Jesus** - The simple but profound second step is to bring everything—good, bad, frustrating, and shameful—to Jesus.
6 (16:40) **The Nature of the Rest Jesus Offers** - Jesus promises rest for the soul, which is deeper than physical rest and addresses tension, anxiety, hurry, and worry.
7 (19:00) **Closing and Invitation** - Pastor Rick offers a closing invitation and information on the Daily Hope app.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Rick Warren

Show Notes

One reason we often feel overloaded is because we're trying to control things too much, often without even realizing it. In this message, Pastor Rick teaches the importance of staying in step with Jesus, the One who loves you and has great things in store for you!