22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” (Gen. 26:22 ESV)
There doesn’t seem to be a spot for Isaac. Circumstances have led him to new people in a new place. And he doesn’t fit in. He tries to make a home among them and they tell him “Go away from us…” (Gen. 26:16).
So Isaac picks a new spot, digs a well (because a person’s got to have water), and the locals dispute his right to the water. He calls the well “Contention” and moves on. He picks another new spot, digs another new well, but the locals dispute his right to this water. Isaac names this well “Enmity.” He picks another new spot, digs another new well, and…everyone is fine with his choice and his well. Finally!
Isaac calls this well “Rehoboth” which means “room” because God made room for him in this place. God finally revealed where he fit in. Isaac found his place.
When we move to a new city, when we change jobs, when we transfer to a new school, when we start attending a new church, or when endure a significant life change (marriage, divorce, death, birth, etc.) we may feel some of what Isaac experienced. We may no longer have that secure sense of place and space. We may not be sure where we fit in. We may feel like a square peg surrounded by round holes.
But keep digging. Keep trusting. Because eventually God will make room.
Prayer: Father, I trust you. I believe that you have a place for me here. Help me to find where I fit in.
