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Running on Empty: Contemplative Spirituality for Overachievers
Learn to live with God instead of for God. In this candid and achingly authentic book, Fil Anderson shares the healing insights that restored his spiritual compass and guided him back to God--the God who specializes in filling empty souls.
Fil Anderson had accomplished more for God than most of his contemporaries, but his worn-out body housed an empty soul. His frenetic pace of ministry had earned him just one thing: greater pressure to do even more. He had fallen for the soul-killing lie that doing more for God would give his life meaning. Then the godly admonition of a spiritual director set this burned-out believer on a life-saving spiritual path. Sometimes the only way to get a new life is by running your old one completely into the ground.
This powerful story of a reawakened soul can be the story of every person who has pursued spiritual productivity over intimacy with God and come up empty. It’s the story of reclaiming your soul and finding a home in the center of God’s relentless love. It’s the journey from self-importance to God-importance.
“To the harried and the unharried, I pray that this book will minister to your heart in the profound way that it has blessed mine.” —Brennan Manning
Fil Anderson had accomplished more for God than most of his contemporaries, but his worn-out body housed an empty soul. His frenetic pace of ministry had earned him just one thing: greater pressure to do even more. He had fallen for the soul-killing lie that doing more for God would give his life meaning. Then the godly admonition of a spiritual director set this burned-out believer on a life-saving spiritual path. Sometimes the only way to get a new life is by running your old one completely into the ground.
This powerful story of a reawakened soul can be the story of every person who has pursued spiritual productivity over intimacy with God and come up empty. It’s the story of reclaiming your soul and finding a home in the center of God’s relentless love. It’s the journey from self-importance to God-importance.
“To the harried and the unharried, I pray that this book will minister to your heart in the profound way that it has blessed mine.” —Brennan Manning
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
26 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 6, 2024
for those disappointed in Comer’s Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, I raise you Anderson’s Running on Empty. Fil has a beautiful understanding of burnout in ministry, and offers a well rounded view of God as our loving LOVING father. i will learn to be playful with God as I start my journey of healing my post full time ministry burn out.
January 3, 2021
A refreshing read over the holidays to provide some much needed perspective on eliminating my frantic pace of life.
One of the last chapters dealt with the need for more unabashed joy in life. Well, only the Lord provides it. I’m grateful for this book.
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” - C.S. Lewis
One of the last chapters dealt with the need for more unabashed joy in life. Well, only the Lord provides it. I’m grateful for this book.
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” - C.S. Lewis
May 31, 2025
This book was not what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be for those who are pulled in a 100 different directions because of work and family, but Fil Anderson is talking about people who keep busy to run away from God or impress others.
It wasn't a bad book, and although I couldn't relate to his personal story, I did like the solutions he provided for connecting with God. I'm not sure I agree with all his Biblical interpretations, though. For instance, he says that Jesus asked the man possessed with demons for his name because he wanted to show that he still wanted a personal connection with the man. However, it seems more likely to me that he asked for a name to make it clear to the apostles that the man was possessed.
Shaky theology aside, overachievers can find some useful information here.
It wasn't a bad book, and although I couldn't relate to his personal story, I did like the solutions he provided for connecting with God. I'm not sure I agree with all his Biblical interpretations, though. For instance, he says that Jesus asked the man possessed with demons for his name because he wanted to show that he still wanted a personal connection with the man. However, it seems more likely to me that he asked for a name to make it clear to the apostles that the man was possessed.
Shaky theology aside, overachievers can find some useful information here.
May 2, 2020
An excellent book! This was a straightforward read and a most relatable one. Anderson shares his experience of what many of us have experienced ourselves in our everyday lives, especially in ministry. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and feel drained. Many of us won't admit that we are almost caput and just going through the motions, but will keep going like everything is okay. I commend Anderson for his transparency and honesty concerning his experience. This book will help so many people, as it has helped me.
September 20, 2020
I read this book for a group study. I was so impressed with the author's unsparing vulnerability about reaching the end of his rope in ministry because his life was full of busyness for God instead of intimacy with God. What's beautiful is that Fil's book doesn't just show problems and solutions; it's a story that invokes a hunger for God, for His heart. The thoughtful writing prompts at the end of each chapter are gold. I found them very helpful for going deeper in my own life.
December 18, 2020
"I have laid out my painful struggle with an addiction to work and busyness, hoping it might help lead you toward the path of recovery. This path has led me to discover the powerful secrets provided by things such as solitude, prayer, sacred reading, spiritual direction, sorrow, and joy. You can discover those same secrets, for God longs for you to know him, to enjoy him, and to encounter him at the core of your being."
April 5, 2021
Definitely a book I’ll be coming back to. Fil Anderson burnt himself out on ministry, and the process of recovery brought him closer to God than ever before. This is a needed work for our day of easy distraction and constant work and worry.
May 20, 2020
A very good book to read at this time of Pandemic slowdown!
April 24, 2021
There are some babies in this bath water. Just so much water! I would have appreciated fewer words...get to the point...but maybe this appeals to some...
June 7, 2023
Incredible last 2 chapters
August 12, 2023
Great read if you are a person who tries to do it all. Fil Anderson shares his life experience doing just that and how he learned to counter running on empty.
March 2, 2017
Good read for Type A's
The role of a spiritual leader is one of the most emotional draining occupations imaginable (yet totally gratifying). Fail Anderson walks you through the various avenues to regain energy +power from God.
The role of a spiritual leader is one of the most emotional draining occupations imaginable (yet totally gratifying). Fail Anderson walks you through the various avenues to regain energy +power from God.
November 22, 2014
This is a very personal look at contemplative Christianity. Anderson often uses his own experiences or stories from close friends to illustrate the need to find a secure identity in Christ that allows us to simply rest and abide before Him.
There are many strong features to this book. First, it is written in a true spirit of humility. Also, there are also many practical guidelines established to give us markers for escaping the frenetic culture in which we live in order that we may enter into enter that realm of Christ-centered living.
The advice on spiritual directors was particularly helpful for me and I also especially enjoyed the closing chapter on joy. The entire feel of the book is to relish God and to see our accusations of "frivolous behavior" as often being some humanly contrive reluctance against playful interaction with God and His wonderful nature.
I recommend this book to anyone seeking a spiritual rhythm that fosters deeper intimacy with Christ. Its language is very accessible and it is filled with interested/inspiring anecdotes.
There are many strong features to this book. First, it is written in a true spirit of humility. Also, there are also many practical guidelines established to give us markers for escaping the frenetic culture in which we live in order that we may enter into enter that realm of Christ-centered living.
The advice on spiritual directors was particularly helpful for me and I also especially enjoyed the closing chapter on joy. The entire feel of the book is to relish God and to see our accusations of "frivolous behavior" as often being some humanly contrive reluctance against playful interaction with God and His wonderful nature.
I recommend this book to anyone seeking a spiritual rhythm that fosters deeper intimacy with Christ. Its language is very accessible and it is filled with interested/inspiring anecdotes.
December 25, 2013
This book really hit home for me and was one of the best, most helpful books I have ever read. Due to the debilitating effect of seizures on how I did in school, along with the emotional and verbal abuse of my father, I had developed a sense of drivenness. Long after the seizures ended and I could finally succeed and earn a master's degree and get the career I had always wanted, I had become an overachiever, desperate to do better. This book helped me realize that I didn't have to learn how to say the perfect prayer, do the perfect thing for God to start loving me, or be a perfect person; instead, I learned that God wanted me just as I was, flaws and all. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me any less or any more. God loves me no matter what my degrees are or how I've raised my kids or how I've served Him. This was an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone.
February 15, 2023
This book is an honest and real reflection on the spiritual journey/treadmill that so many of us eventually find ourselves on - especially those of us in ministry. It doesn't have to be this way and this book gently invites the reader to explore contemplative spirituality as a road to freedom and hope. Fil is a captivating and honest storyteller which adds to the immediacy of this book.
July 13, 2008
This was an incredibly timely book for me. I read it at the peak of personal burnout. It was like looking into a mirror at the time; I liked it the same way that I barely still liked myself, but I didn't REALLY like either the book or myself.
September 16, 2012
This book is amazing. Had a huge impact and I'd recommend for anyone in ministry and specifically young life.
July 13, 2010
Stop, drop, and listen. I loved it.
February 1, 2012
Great book, this one has made my list of best books of all time. (#3).
Want to read
March 14, 2012Great book if you have been involved in ministry for awhile. The main theme is not to do things for God but rather to walk with God. Refreshing. It has a great chapter on solitude.
May 1, 2013
This book changed my life
November 24, 2013
Such a great read when you suspect you may be "doing" for God more than being WITH God.
November 3, 2013
I really appreciated his honesty and graciousness.
May 11, 2014
Read it. Chapter One is enough to convince you read this again and again.
Want to read
December 3, 2014Recommended by Emily P Freeman
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews