I’m still thankful for a new year and a fresh start (that I didn’t know I needed). I’ve been drawing near to God, reading my Bible daily and journaling every night. Jon and I are attempting a year-long Bible plan together (again). We’re currently in Genesis, Luke, and Psalms. It’s been a good mix, and it’s daily bread. Fresh manna, for which I’m so grateful.

There was one story in particular that really encouraged me this past week, and I wanted to share it here. I hope it brings you courage and peace. (I’m not a scholar or theologian, so bear with me.)

Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them. Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”

Genesis 26:18-22 (NIV)

In Genesis 26, Isaac is digging up wells that were previously Abraham’s, reopening wells that the enemy had filled with dirt. The word in the Hebrew for dig means “to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore.”

Isaac’s servants begin digging up wells in the valley. The first two were problem wells that were marked by quarrels: Esek and Sitnah. Esek means “dispute, strife, contention.” The Hebrew word for disputed means “to press upon, i.e. quarrel; contend, cling to (in strife), to strive with.”

Then there was Sitnah, which means “opposition, enmity, hostility, contention.” Here, the word for quarreled means “properly, to toss, i.e. grapple, mostly figurative, to wrangle, i.e. hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend; strive or contend – with words).”

Finally, they dig up the third well. But this time, there was no quarrel. And so it was called Rehoboth, which means “room, wide spaces, broad places, streets.” The phrase given us room in Hebrew means “to broaden, be, grow, wide, large, enlarge limit of territory.”

The name Rehoboth indicated that it was a roomy space, free from quarrel and strife. And because there was room, there was space to flourish. Rooted, grounded, standing firm. Bearing fruit, thriving.

As I was reading, this passage reminded of some experiences we’ve had in the last several years, like wells that we explored that left us broken-hearted and heavy-laden by all the quarreling and contention that ensued.

Almost one year ago, we found an oasis. A well that has become our spacious place, marked by healing and freedom. There is still more fruit to bear. I believe it’s time for the valley to be filled, for the river to overflow, for God to invade every space and place with His glory. It’s time for the water to spring up.

Sometimes there are seasons of quarrel, disputes, and opposition. Navigating family dynamics and faith communities can be difficult (to say the least). Maybe you’re near a well like the first two right now. Keep going. Press on until you find the space and room your soul is longing for.

Keep exploring the wells ahead of you on your journey. Delve into the testimonies of those who have gone before you; see the great cloud of witnesses. Let your faith be stirred. Reopen the wells that the enemy has tried to bury.

When we lack discernment and we’re not sure how to face what’s before us, 2 Chronicles 20:12 provides such comfort and perspective: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

Be overwhelmed by God’s love and underwhelmed by your circumstances. Trust Him to make a way, and then walk with Him. Keep your eyes fixed on the Provider, not the provision.

And believe: times of refreshing are coming.

❤️

Songs on repeat this week:

• We Make Space by Melissa Helser
• Freedom Looks Good on You by Maverick City Music
• God Problems by Maverick City Music
• You Always Restore (Winter Is Over) by UPPERROOM