ReDEFINE Well
When greeted by others with the common question, “How are you?” I often offhandedly say, “I am well”. The definition of “well” from this context evokes images of your life status. When we break down the things that are often used to define and quantify what “well” means we connect experiences such as finances, marriage, family, job, our health, weight etc. We define how “well” we are from our circumstances and answer from that place. If things aren’t “well” by our rulebook of success then our response changes from, “I’m well” to “I’m ok” or” things just aren’t that good right now”. You may not use those exact words but a variation of them.
Can I redefine “well” for you using another definition of the word? So the next time you are asked how are you or you are just taking an inventory of where you are, you can say and think “I am well” not based on the score of this inspection of self but by the resources that you have to withstand /beat/survive any storm/challenge/problem/ setback you face….you get the idea.
Another definition of “well” is “a source from which something may be drawn as needed” … "an abundant source”. Here’s what I want you to do…when you are asked or when you ponder how your life is…instead of looking outside of self for a confirmation of where you are…push back disappointments, failures, those things that aren’t what they should be right now, things on your “to do” list, relationships that are broken, bills unpaid, dreams deferred. Instead of going there, I want you to instead focus on “your well”. This is the place that you draw something needed from…maybe its patience, hope, peace, perseverance, love. And, the great thing is this is an abundant source; which means that it is MORE than your problems. However, you must make it larger than your problems. It doesn’t just automatically become large; it is an act of your will. This is possible through intentional thinking and redefining the word WELL.
"My WELL" Activity – make a list of the things in your life that give you strength. This could be people, favorite quotes, bible verses, past successes, favorite books, a picture, a letter/email from a friend, a song. Whatever gives you a degree of strength. Keep this list somewhere visible to remind you, when faced with thoughts that cause you concern, you have a source of strength, replenishing your mind.
The GOD Factor: Let’s take a look at 2 Corinthians 4:18, which says to “ fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”. For our example, these things that are seen refer to those things mentioned above (trouble, challenges, problems etc.). When we become focused on the bad it’s difficult to have the faith needed to overcome them; It’s hard to see the good. The eternal things are a reference to the eternal life that God gives freely to all who would accept Him. When you accept Him and His love you open yourself up to a well that extends beyond your finite ability to gain strength. The strength of God is unlimited and can therefore overcome any and everything. In John 4:14, Jesus tells us that “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
