Reaching Deep Within

Reaching Deep Within

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NIV

“What’s down in the well will come up in the bucket,” says my friend Ken Whitten. That fits with what Jesus taught about our mouths speaking whatever overflows from our hearts (Luke 6:45) and what James, when writing about the power of our words, said about fresh water and salt water not flowing from the same spring (James 3:11-12). The things that come out of our mouths or that flow into our actions come from whatever is inside of us. The potential in our lives comes from the things that are hidden in our hearts.

Hebrews 11 describes the faith of numerous people in the Bible—how their strength came from God, how they set out in obedience to Him without being able to see the end of the journey, and how they focused on Him, His purposes, and His faithfulness. They lived by His Word, envisioned His Kingdom, and followed His ways. They believed in a future painted by the hand of the one who had proven Himself to them time after time. That’s what they thought about and established in their hearts. That was the well they were drawing from.

It’s important not to just deal with what “comes up in the bucket” in your life—the way you live. You can try to change your behavior and discipline yourself to change, and you can do it with some success. But real change happens deep down inside—from the well. Your life will be governed by the truths that guide you and the relationship with God that fills your heart. If that’s not in your well, the actions will just be actions. That’s like putting a fresh coat of paint on a house with major foundation problems. Real life is lived from the inside out.

What’s in your well? What is the source of your strength and direction? Where do you find your values? Look to the God who created you and planned a future for you. Your faith will influence everything about you. Your relationship with God will govern your thoughts, and your thoughts will move you where you need to go. Fill your well with Him.

Uncommon Key > Keep a bottle of water with you today to remind you to fill your well with God Himself. When you do, what flows out of your heart will be good, true, and satisfying.