Living Filled: Not Pouring from an Empty Cup

Erin Long | July 21, 2025

Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? It’s often used as a reminder to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually so that you can continue to love and serve others well. As it turns out, the apostle Paul may not have used those exact words, but the heart of that message shows up in Ephesians 1. This chapter is like a deep breath for the tired believer. It's a reminder of what we’ve already been given (what fills our cup) so we don’t have to strive or hustle to earn God’s approval or keep up appearances.

We’re Already Blessed and Chosen

Paul opens his letter not with a list of to-dos, but with a sweeping declaration of truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…” (Ephesians 1:3). Notice the past tense: “has blessed”. You and I, as believers, already have access to every spiritual blessing we need. We are chosen, holy, and blameless in His sight, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

That kind of truth changes the way we live. Instead of waking up feeling like we have to “earn” God's love or strive to be enough, we can begin the day rooted in the fact that we already are. When our cup feels empty, Ephesians 1 invites us to sit at the table with the God who fills us up before we even lift a finger.

Redemption, Forgiveness, and an Inheritance

Ephesians 1 goes on to say that we’ve been redeemed, forgiven, and given an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:7-11). That’s not just theological language, it’s personal. That means the mistakes you made last week, the moments you felt like a failure, the days you couldn’t keep up? They don’t disqualify you from being loved, seen, or used by God. Instead of being defined by your lack, you’re defined by what’s already been given to you in Jesus. If you’re anything like me, this should feel like a thousand pounds lifted off your shoulders!

When Your Cup Feels Bone-Dry

Let’s say you’re a mom of two toddlers, and you’re deep in the daily chaos: laundry piles, tantrums, goldfish crumbs in the couch cushions. You wake up already feeling behind. You try to pray, but your thoughts are scrambled. You want to be patient and present, but your energy is gone. That’s an empty cup moment.

Now picture starting your day with Ephesians 1 open on the kitchen counter. As your coffee brews, you read: “In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:5). You remember: I’m already accepted. I’m already loved. I don’t have to prove anything today.

That truth might not make the dishes disappear, but it will shift your heart. Instead of giving out of exhaustion, you begin to give out of security. That’s the power of knowing you’re filled by something greater than your own strength.

The Holy Spirit Is the Seal and the Source

Finally, Paul reminds us that we’ve been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). That means we’re not doing any of this alone. The Spirit lives in us, teaching us, comforting us, and refilling us when we’re running low. That’s not a once-a-week thing on Sundays, it’s daily (sometimes hourly).

Good News! You Don’t Have to Earn What’s Already Yours

Ephesians 1 is like a love letter from God to remind us of what’s already true. You don’t have to pour out love, grace, or energy you don’t have. Instead, let your heart be filled by what Christ has already done. The blessings, the identity, the inheritance, the Spirit… it’s all been given. And when we live from that place, we give not out of striving, but out of overflow.

So today, maybe the most faithful thing you can do is pause, breathe, and remember: your cup is being filled. Let God pour in, so you can pour out.

Questions to reflect on this week:

1. Paul says we have been “blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (v. 3). What are some blessings you may have overlooked or forgotten you already have? Keep a list this week and refer back to it when you find your cup is empty!

2. How does knowing you were chosen “before the foundation of the world” (v. 4) affect the way you see yourself? Do you live like someone who is already loved, accepted, and wanted by God?

3. In what ways have you tried to ‘pour from an empty cup’ recently? What does it look like for you to pause and let God refill you spiritually, emotionally, or physically?

4. Verses 7–8 speak of redemption and forgiveness “according to the riches of his grace.” Is there any area of your life where you’re still trying to earn grace instead of receiving it freely?

5. If you truly lived from the fullness of Ephesians 1, how would that change the way you interact with your family, your work, your church, or your neighbors?