Life fills with frustrating circumstances beyond our control. Things seem to go along smoothly, then we lose a job, or our home furnace goes kaput, or a good friend decides to leave his wife. Maybe all in the same week. Life roils underfoot and we hope for a settling to come our way.

Isaac grew wealthy in his adopted land, with huge flocks and herds of livestock and many servants to manage his wealth. His status caused consternation among his neighbors, and he decided to move farther away to ease the tension. Except the tension followed.

Isaac’s men dug wells for their animals, but the herdsman of the land claimed the water for themselves. Isaac named the first well Esek, meaning contention. The second digging turned out worse, so Isaac dubbed that well Sitnah, meaning enmity. Finally, with enough distance between the quarreling parties, the third well produced clear water and calm spirits. Isaac christened that well Rehoboth, meaning broad places, and said For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

Peace arrived only after a great deal of settling into place. The Lord watched over Isaac and took care of his family. But not without the frustrating circumstances of life. God blesses, yes, but we still live in a fallen world with sinful people just like ourselves. Often when things seem to be cruising along, someone decides to stop up our well.

That said, it’s wise to pause and thank God for the wells of clear, fresh water in our lives. Isaac thanked the Lord for bringing him and his family into a place of fruitfulness. He took time to purposefully name a well in honor of the Lord. He sought the Lord in challenges, and he honored the Lord in times of blessing. May you and I do the same.

Genesis 26:17-22

Photo by Frank Albrecht