His Well Never Runs Dry
In 2018, I attended a writers’ conference. I wanted to learn everything I could about writing for the Christian market so that God could expand my writing ministry. I had mixed feelings about the three “Finalist” badge ribbons attached to my name tag. I was honored to be a finalist with all three of my writing contest entries, but I felt a bit conspicuous.
The second day of the conference, I was blessed to have a half-hour mentor session with author Kim Meeder. Our discussion came around to the things I had put ahead of God in my life. I hadn’t given Him first priority with my time, and it had affected my writing. In spite of my finalist status, I knew that was true.
I confessed to Kim that I’d been feeling my well was dry. I hadn’t been inspired to write more than a few words in months. I had let my regular prayer and devotion time slip through the cracks. I’d been trying to make it through each day on coffee and sheer willpower alone. I’d grown weary and unfocused.
I left that mentor session with a renewed commitment to put God first by beginning each day reading my Bible and worshiping God. I returned to my room to pray and make a new worship playlist on my iPod.
The next morning, while my roommate was in the shower, I sat in our darkened room listening to my new playlist. As one ear listened to the music, the other ear listened to the coffee pot drip out my four cups of morning brew, waiting for the tell-tale gurgle signaling my first cup was ready to pour. When will that coffee be done?
God gently replied, What if you needed Me more than that cup of coffee?
That thought has stuck with me in the weeks and months since. With every cup of coffee, I’m reminded that I need something—Someone—even more.
The truth is I do need God more than a cup of coffee. Only He can take my weariness and lack of focus and turn them into rest and direction. I must consume His Word and savor His truth every morning.
I returned home and began to develop my habit of daily Bible reading as the first thing each morning. I started with an old favorite: the Gospel of John. A few days in, a verse jumped out at me like it never had before.
“So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well.” John 4:6 (NASB).
Although I continued reading further in the chapter and onto the next, I was drawn time and again to that one verse. It reminds me that we all get weary and must come to the well of God’s Word for refreshment and rest. I haven’t missed my daily trip to the well since.
Linda L. Kruschke writes candid memoir and fearless poetry. She aspires to show women that God’s redemption and healing are just a story away. She blogs at AnotherFearlessYear.net and AnchoredVoices.com, and has been published in Fathom Magazine, The Christian Journal, Bible Advocate, iBelieve.com, WeToo.org blog, The Mighty, Calla Press, and several anthologies.