In John 4, we find Jesus at Jacob’s well in Samaria, in need of rest and refreshing from His long journey. It is around noontime when the Samaritan woman arrives at the well. After asking for a drink, Jesus proceeds to tell this woman about a well that never runs dry - a well that contains a living water. 

I would like to talk about the Samaritan woman today, and some implications for those of us who suffer from chronic illnesses. During their conversation, Jesus exposes the woman’s sin, which gives us a more comprehensive view of her life. Not only is the woman divorced, she has had five husbands, and she is currently engaging in a relationship with a man she is not married to. Because of this and the fact that she is at the well during the hottest time of day, we can assume that this woman is an outcast. She carried the burden of her sin, which seeped into her social life, and I can imagine there was a great toll on her mental and emotional condition as well. 

We carry around physical, emotional, and/or mental burdens that have been created and driven by our illnesses. There are times when we feel like outsiders - we cannot go certain places where and when others can. Often we are isolated. We sometimes are even shamed by the religious community for not receiving healing due to "lack of faith," or being too weak to speak against diseases.                        

Just like Jesus knew of the woman's sins, He knows of our illnesses and their implications too. But He has given us an extraordinary gift that allows us to find contentment even in the depths of our afflictions. Those who believe Jesus is their Lord and Savior, including you and me, will be given these graces by way of faith alone. This gift, as He explains to the woman at the well, is eternal life by way of the Spirit.

The Spirit isn't just for the purpose of getting to heaven, though. He gives us a spiritual “spring” that helps us to navigate our physical lives. The Spirit is what guides us to peace and contentment in the midst of suffering and hardship. Romans 8 tells us “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (v. 26). This means we don't know everything about God and His will, but the Spirit intercedes on our behalf regarding the unknown. This is one way we find contentment, even when we are ignorant of the divine reasons for and limits of our trials.

We also receive contentment through what the Spirit produces. If we go back a little in Romans 8, Paul says “but those who live according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [...] to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (v. 5b;6b). Additionally, we know that the fruit of the spirit includes joy, peace, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). So, as we see, the Holy Spirit works from within and manifests outwardly, both creating and sustaining contentment. 

What does this mean for us? Our contentment, or discontentment, may be an indicator of our connection with the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself unable to find any type of peace right now, perhaps that means you need to have a “Well Experience” to come face to face with the Lord. It may be that you have allowed the weights of life become burdens again, rather than allowing Him to carry them. Maybe those springing waters within you need to be stirred up again. 

Whatever it may be, sit down with God. Listen to what He has to say. Allow yourself an opportunity to be reminded of the grace that has been poured into you. Allow Him to fill you up and bring you closer to the Spirit. You will find contentment where He is.