In what ways can we "reopen wells" in our own spiritual lives today? Setting the Scene: Isaac and the Wells “Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham’s death, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.” (Genesis 26:18) Spiritually Stopped-Up Wells Today • Wells represent God-given sources of life, refreshment, and fruitfulness. • Philistine opposition mirrors sin, doubt, busyness, or disappointment that clogs our fellowship with the Lord. • When the flow of the Spirit feels hindered, it is not the Source that has dried up—only the access has been blocked (John 7:37-38). Steps to Reopen Our Wells • Return to the first love – “Remember then how far you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5) – Schedule unrushed time alone with God; revive early habits of Word and worship. • Remove known sin immediately – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) – Name the obstruction; forsake it; accept Christ’s cleansing so water can flow. • Restore neglected spiritual disciplines – Daily Scripture reading (Psalm 119:105) – Frequent, heartfelt praise (Psalm 22:3) – Regular fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Consistent witness and service (Matthew 5:16) • Renounce lies with truth – Exchange discouraging thoughts for God’s promises (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). – Speak Scripture aloud; write verses on cards; sing them in worship. • Re-dig in the same ground – Isaac did not search for new wells first; he reopened what already existed. – Go back to passages God once used powerfully; revisit callings once embraced. • Renew submission to the Spirit – Yield daily decisions to the Lordship of Christ (Galatians 5:16-25). – Invite His direction before major plans; obey promptly. Guarding the Wells Once Reopened • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly. • Maintain boundaries that protect quiet time and moral integrity (Proverbs 4:23). • Surround yourself with accountability partners who value the same water source. • Fill the well continually—regular intake of Scripture prevents future blockage. Encouragement from Scripture • Jeremiah 2:13—God is “the spring of living water”; broken cisterns never satisfy. • Psalm 1:3—The one planted by streams “yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” • Isaiah 58:11—“You will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” By reopening the wells—returning, removing, restoring, renouncing, re-digging, and renewing—we experience afresh the abundant, unblocked flow of the Spirit in daily life. |
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