Genesis 25:11

Hagar had once found deliverance there, and Ishmael had drunk from the water so graciously revealed by the God who lives and sees humankind; but this was merely a casual visit, such as worldly people pay to the Lord in times of need, when it suits their purpose.

They cry to Him in trouble but forsake Him in prosperity. Isaac dwelt there and made the well of the living and all-seeing God his constant source of supply. The usual general course of a person’s life, the dwelling of his soul, is the true test of his state. Perhaps the providential visitation experienced by Hagar struck Isaac’s mind and led him to revere the place; its mystical name endeared it to him; his frequent musings by its brim in the evening made him familiar with the well; his meeting Rebecca there had made his spirit feel at home near the spot; but best of all, the fact that he there enjoyed fellowship with the living God had made him select that sacred ground for his dwelling.

Let us learn to live in the presence of the living God; let us pray to the Holy Spirit that this day, and every other day, we may feel, You God see me. May the Lord Jehovah be as a well to us, delightful, comforting, unfailing, springing up to eternal life.

The bottle of the creature cracks and dries up, but the well of the Creator never fails; happy is he who dwells at the well, and so has abundant and constant supplies near at hand. The Lord has been a sure helper to others: His name is Shaddai, God All-sufficient; our hearts have often had most delightful communion with Him; through Him our soul has found her glorious Husband, the Lord Jesus; and in Him, this day, we live, and move, and have our being. Let us, then, dwell in closest fellowship with Him. Glorious Lord, compel us so that we may never leave You, but dwell by the well of the living God.