“And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.” Genesis 26:19
Every time I read this scripture about a well of springing water, I remember weeding the strawberry patch with my brother on a hot summer day. On the edge of the field, there was a spring. How refreshing it was to lay down our hoes, relax by the spring, and enjoy a drink of cold water. The water was always flowing, clear and cool, no matter how hot the day was. All we had to do was partake of it.
Because of a famine in the land, God told Isaac to go dwell in the land of the Philistines. Water was especially important to him because of his great flocks and herds. The Philistines envied him and filled up all the wells that His father Abraham had dug. Isaac had his servants re-dig these wells. Each time the enemy claimed the wells for their own and Isaac moved on. Finally, they dug another well which they were able to keep, and Isaac called it Rehoboth, saying: “For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
Besides the trouble Isaac was facing with the Philistines, his son, Esau, had married Hittite women, which caused him anxiety and pain. He was in a valley of despair. Yet he desired to dig wells that would bless men long after he had gone home to heaven. So, he did not give up; he kept digging.
All of us face valleys in our lives. We will have times of discouragement, sorrow, disappointment, sickness, and even oppression. Jesus did not promise that life would be easy. He warned us that these things would befall us. But he also promised us that He would never leave us nor forsake us.
I Peter 4:12-13 ”Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Whatever valley you may find yourself in today, springs of living water are just waiting for you to enjoy. Keep praying, trusting, and digging into God’s Word. Do not give up when the going gets tough. Remember, the next generation is counting on you to dig wells and keep the water of life flowing freely.
Promise For Today: In the deepest valley, as we trust the Lord and yield to the process, we will find a rich blessing.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
Comments are closed.