Running On Empty (Fill Me)
blog from alex macmillan
Running On Empty (Fill Me) came from a really honest place. We started talking about what it looks like to want to be like Jesus so badly that we’re willing to let Him come in and “clean house” in our hearts. Not just the comfortable parts—but every part. The places we hide, the places we hold onto, the places that still need to be surrendered.
The heart behind this song is a prayer:
“Lord, make room in me for You.”
It’s about inviting the Holy Spirit to come in, refine us, and fill every empty space. Because at the end of the day, we all know that nothing else truly satisfies. Nothing else sustains us. Only Him.
There are days when we feel full of faith and joy… and then there are days when we feel completely empty. This song is for those moments. It’s a reminder that Scripture promises not just filling, but overflow. That when we come to Him with open hearts, the Holy Spirit is faithful to meet us there.
My prayer is that when people listen to this song, it becomes an invitation. An invitation to pause, surrender again, and ask the Lord to fill their hearts fresh with His presence.
I’m so grateful for the writers I got to create this with. What a gift to write alongside people who love Jesus deeply and want their lives—and their songs—to reflect Him
lyrics
Verse 1
I’m like an alibaster box with no perfume
I’m like a tree with all the leaves but has no fruit
Oh God I’m down here on my knees
I’m running on empty
Verse 2
I’m like a cloud inside a storm without the rain
I’m like a book upon a shelf without a page
Oh God I’m down here on my knees
I’m running on empty
Chorus
I need You to fill me
I need You to fill me
Father I’m open
You are an ocean
I’m here to receive
Verse 3
I’m like a wedding on display without a groom
I’m like an instrument that plays without a tune
Father I’m down here on my knees
I’m running on empty
Chorus
I need You to fill me
I need You to fill me
Father I’m open
You are an ocean
I’m here to receive
Bridge
Clean my heart
Flip tables if You have to
I’m only chasing after You and only You
Clean my heart
Tear down what You want to
I’m only chasing after You and only You
Song CREDITS
Written by:
Jonathan Lee McElhenny
Alexandria MacMillan
Jeremiah Coyne
Drew Ley
Micah Allen Cooke
Produced by Jubilee Music Co
MIXED BY Keith Harris
MASTERED BY joe causey at voyager mastering
Executive Producer, A&R: Jennie Lee Riddle
label: people & songs
artist: The emerging sound
The Emerging Sound Art Department:
Gareth MacMillan
William Read
Jennie Lee Riddle
THe Emerging Sound Bio
The Emerging Sound is a 501(c)(3) creative ministry devoted to building the Kingdom of God through faith-driven creativity, community, and commerce. Its mission is to equip, support, and mobilize people, songs, and organizations that carry the Gospel into the world. Through mentorship, collaboration, education, charitable initiatives, and marketplace ministries—and through gatherings such as camps, retreats, conferences, sabbaticals, and internships—The Emerging Sound helps raise up creatives and leaders who strengthen the Church and serve the world with the message of Jesus.
