February 17

Morning

After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer-lahai-roi. — Gen 25:11 BSB

Hagar once found deliverance there, and Ishmael drank from the water graciously revealed by the God who sees all people. But for them, it was just a brief visit, like how those in the world sometimes turn to God in times of need and then abandon Him in times of prosperity. They cry out in trouble but forget Him when things are well. Isaac, however, made the well of the living and all-seeing God his constant dwelling place and source of supply.

The true test of a person’s spiritual state is found in the usual direction of their life and the dwelling of their soul. Perhaps Isaac remembered the providence shown to Hagar at the well and revered the place because of it. The well’s special name likely endeared it to him, and his evening meditations by its waters made it familiar. Moreover, meeting Rebecca there made it a place of great significance in his heart. But most importantly, Isaac chose to dwell there because he experienced fellowship with the living God.

Let us also learn to live in the presence of the living God. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to remind us each day, “You, God, see me!” May the Lord be like a well to us—delightful, comforting, and unfailing, springing up to eternal life. The bottles of this world crack and dry up, but the well of our Creator never fails. Happy is the one who dwells near the well, having abundant and constant supplies close at hand. The Lord has always been a reliable helper to others—His name is Shaddai, God All-Sufficient. Through Him, our souls have found our eternal Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus. In Him, we live, move, and have our being today. So let us dwell in close fellowship with Him. Glorious Lord, hold us close that we may never leave You but live by the well of the living God.

Evening

Because you have said, ‘These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,’ even though the LORD was there, — Ezek 35:10 BSB

Edom’s princes saw the land laid bare and thought it would be easy to conquer. But there was one great obstacle they hadn’t considered—“the Lord was there.” His presence was the source of security for the chosen land. No matter what schemes the enemies of God’s people may devise, the Lord’s presence is an unbreakable defense. God’s people are His possession, and He is in their midst, protecting His own.

What comfort this truth brings in times of trouble and spiritual conflict! We are constantly opposed yet always preserved. How often does Satan aim his arrows at our faith, but they are not only deflected—they are extinguished on the shield of faith, because “the Lord is there.” Our good works are also attacked by Satan. No saint ever had a virtue or grace that wasn’t a target for the enemy’s attacks. Whether it’s hope, love, patience, or zeal, the enemy will always try to destroy it. Yet the only reason anything good remains in us is this: “the Lord is there.”

If the Lord is with us throughout life, we need not fear when death draws near. In our final moments, we will find that “the Lord is there.” Even where the waves are most turbulent and the waters coldest, we will feel the firm foundation beneath us—the Rock of Ages—steadying us as time passes away.

From the beginning of a Christian’s life to the very end, the only reason we do not perish is because “the Lord is there.” When the God of everlasting love changes His nature and abandons His people, then the Church may be destroyed—but not until then. It is written: Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there.”