Dipping From the Well

When I was a little girl visiting relatives in rural north Georgia, I couldn’t help but notice that my great aunt Edith (we called her EE) had a working well in her backyard. (She also had an outhouse, but let’s not go there.)

My sister Cindy and I would often toss pebbles into the well just to listen to them falling, falling, falling into nothingness and then plink an echo-y splash somewhere far below in the dark unseen bottom.

My older cousins Howard and Larry used to threaten to tie Cindy and me to the big old wooden bucket and hoist us down into the black depths of the well where they assured us we would be devoured by all manner of snakes and alligators. (Never saw an alligator in that neck of the north Georgia woods, but fear doesn’t have to make sense to little girls, right?)

So I grew up having a great respect for wells – and maybe a little fear too – due to my hands-on experience.

The last few weeks, we’ve been talking about how our Christmas season tends to morph into Stress-mas (scroll back to catch up if you missed the posts). Especially with Christmas now only one day away. This day – Christmas Eve day – will be a nightmare for many of us, rushing around like the proverbial headless chicken, trying to get every last minute thing done.

“Sleep in heavenly peace” will seem impossible. Only the lyrics of a Christmas carol, not something based in the stress of reality.

Hey dearest stressed-out sister, I found something that has helped me rest in that illusive peace that surpasses all understanding this Christmas season, and I hope it will do the same for you.

Recently, I heard the expression, “God’s well of peace” and it really resonated with me. I could immediately picture EE’s well in that long ago backyard, a reservoir of not water this time, but peace. Infinite, awesome, refreshing peace, waiting at the bottom to be dipped into with the big wooden bucket.

I can consume that peace in huge gulps or in wee sips – my choice – to quench my consuming thirst.

And it brings peace – Papa God’s deep, abiding peace – instantly into my spirit.

The peace not as the world gives, which is based on whether the sky is blue and birds are singing and whether you’ve crossed off enough items on your to-do list. No, the supernatural kind of peace that can only be from our heavenly Father. The kind not based on our circumstances at all, but flowing from an eternal well of life-sustaining sustenance available to us at any time we choose to hoist our buckets down into its depths.

This peace is like the living water Jesus described to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). The source of our salvation.

And I think you and I both realize about now, how much we need salvation. On an eternity soul-spectrum, for sure, but also in daily doses during the stress-filled seasons of our life.

Like now.

So I’d like to close with some awesome peace promises from The Word to help replenish your well. And I also want to remind you to – especially in the worst crazy-busy moments – dip your bucket down, down, down into the depths of Papa God’s well of peace. Envision lowering your wooden bucket down, dipping in, and you hoisting it back up to your parched lips. Now drink deeply. Feel the cool refreshment entering you and calming your innards. Girlfriend, just do it. It will indeed be your salvation.

“Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).

“Then He [Jesus] arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39 NKJV). 

“Embrace peace – don’t let it get away!” (Psalm 34:14 MSG). 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Col 3:15 NIV). 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).

 

*Congrats to the randomly selected winner of my Stress-mas Survival Giveaway: Noelle Ammerman. Noelle will be receiving this fabulous gift package very soon and we extend to her Happy Birthday wishes as well!

Thanks to everyone who entered; hang tight – another great giveaway is right around the corner.

Christmas hugs to each and every one of you, dear BBFFs (Blessed Blog Friends Forever)!

Love, Deb