People fight over water here in Colorado. A constant source of litigation, entire firms of lawyers specialize in water rights. The supply is limited, and good living depends on accessible water.

Water issues bubble up early in the scriptures. Isaac’s men dug a well of fresh water which neighbors immediately grabbed—this well is ours! That well earned the name Esek, or dispute. They successfully dug again, but the quarrels followed. Isaac named the next well Sitnah, or opposition.

Moving on, they ditched their contentious neighbors and struck water once more. Finally at peace, Isaac called this well Rehoboth, or room, saying now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.

Good wells lead to a flourishing life, and I’m reminded of some of my refreshing reservoirs.

My wife and I earn a living thanks to a team of ministry partners who financially and prayerfully support our work. This dedicated group of people form a deep well of fresh encouragement—they allow us to flourish.

What are your wells? I also think of family and friends, a warm home and good health. What gives and sustains your life?

Of course, the Lord provides all we possess, and I find it encouraging to notice and name the wells he has dug in my life.

Genesis 26 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Frank Albrecht

A desperate father pleaded with Jesus on behalf of his son who writhed in convulsions at their feet, if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.

Jesus responded, everything is possible for one who believes. To which this anguished father, with no where else to turn, cried out a most honest prayer, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!

I believe, yet I doubt at the same time. I want to believe wholeheartedly, but resistance drags at my confidence. This man’s cry reflects the condition of my faith. I like that the gospel writers recorded this incident just for people like me.

I like even more that Jesus healed the boy.

My faith needs not shine like waxed fruit without blemish or bruise. There’s no need for perfection on my part, as long as my doubt-tattered faith is in the right person.

Mark 9 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Annie Spratt

When David pledges to follow the Lord and lead a blameless life, one of his vows sounds quite modern: I will not look with approval on anything vile.

It’s easier than ever for me to find something vile to set my eyes upon. Plus, in this internet age what passes for vile—disgusting, depraved, immoral—continues to shrink. In a media world where anything goes, it’s hard to avert the eyes.

Yet David’s oath makes me think. Where do I come across the vile, and when might I give it approval? Another psalmist prayed turn my eyes away from worthless things (Psalm 119:37). With so much entertainment at my fingertips, I must constantly sort the worthless from the worthy.

And what is worthy? That which feeds my soul. Outlooks moving me toward the eternal. Ideas bringing good to others. I must apply the teaching of love the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and love my neighbor as myself to my viewing habits.

I find David’s 3,000 year old pledge challenging, and I need help from the Lord to give it a go. But the good that comes to me by simply avoiding the vile pays off in my soul.

Psalm 101 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Coline Haslé