“Then Abimelek said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.”17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled. 18 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. 19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. 20 But the herders of Gerar quarrelled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they quarrelled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. 22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarrelled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” Genesis 26:16-23 NIV
God of the thirsty,
It is easy to pass over passages like this where there is movement but no real life changing experiences. But for Isaac and his shepherds these were days of worry, trouble and annoyance. Probably sleepless not knowing what may happen next. Abimelek was true to his word and the disputes were only verbal scuffles and threats (Genesis 26:11)!
Isaac seemed to know what arguments to stand up to and when to back off for a peaceful life. Did You prompt him? There was an awful lot of digging and this was when it was all done by hand in stony land with no modern equipment. At last they had a well to water their livestock and keep themselves alive.
Sometimes it does feel like we are having to dig for blessings and sometimes our spiritual life is still dry. But they had perseverance. Help us persevere and not be willing to succumb to negative voices around us or within! Remind us that negativity cannot kill us! Like at work or church if there is someone we just cannot get along with for whatever reason. Or there are those who know just how to provoke us. Help us know when to move away and dig into You for refreshment Lord. Holy Spirit release Your water of life in our hearts and grant us peace amidst the challenges of life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Friday 10th January 2025
Let Your living water flow over my soul,
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Father, Father, Father
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Come now Holy Spirit and take control,
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole,
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride,
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side.
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul,
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole,
As you give your life to Him, He’ll set you free,
You will live and reign with Him eternally.
Repeat first verse . . .
Lyrics: John Watson (Vinesong).
Pray for your family and friends
For Kings and those in authority
For peace and freedom for Ukraine
For our community, nation, world
Our needs.