What if the life God calls you into doesn’t come with a step-by-step plan? No detailed itinerary, no five-year blueprint—just a Guide who says, “Follow me.”

In this episode of The Well, walk in the path of the Hebrews being guided by cloud and fire. They had no map, but they had a guide. The same is true of us. Take a moment to slow down and sit with a truth that’s both unsettling and deeply freeing: God doesn’t hand us a map; He invites us into relationship. Drawing from Isaiah 42:16, we reflect on how the God who led Israel through the wilderness still leads us today—not with a GPS, but with His presence.

What does it mean to trust the Spirit as our guide in an age obsessed with certainty and control? How do we cultivate the posture of listening, observing, and responding to His voice? And what if the unknown is actually the invitation we’ve been resisting?

Join us as we create space to reflect, breathe, and recalibrate our pace to the rhythm of God’s leading. Because in the end, the goal isn’t just to get somewhere—it’s to walk with Someone.

Written by: Brandon Bathauer
Music by: Saddleback Worship

Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well/id1507033077
http://saddleback.com/thewell

If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LHTQY-ncx_Y2wAwUlCQQ-aqfRK-qPYYB/edit?usp=sharing&rtpof=true&sd=true

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here:
https://forms.gle/BXjN6K9rWayGudQy6

"The Well" is a proud member of the Saddleback Church Family of Podcasts. Please also check out:
saddleback.com/found
Saddleback.com/doable

In this podcast episode, respond to the Psalmist's call towards rest. 

You are built to live from a state of rested security. That can seem like miles away from reality. Root yourself in this Psalm to find hope and abundance on the other side of life's busyness.

This is an opportunity for you to spend some quality time with the Father, who deals bountifully with you. Whether you feel that reality at this moment or not, our road to rest is built on the landmarks of His provision. Reflect on God's provision in the past and how it can call you to a state of rest that we are built to function from.

Written by: Brandon Bathauer
Music by: Ivymusic

Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
http://saddleback.com/thewell

If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ej6hs6ODrT2uwc64KAJuqDniacUeXwuE/view?usp=sharing

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here:
https://forms.gle/BXjN6K9rWayGudQy6

"The Well" is a proud member of the Saddleback Church Family of Podcasts. Please also check out:
saddleback.com/found
Saddleback.com/doable
Saddleback.com/leadwithworship

In this podcast episode, be led through a reflective prayer exercise based on the Serenity Prayer. This prayer has been a source of comfort and strength for many people struggling with addiction or other challenges.

This prayer is addressed to God, be encouraged to take a moment to simply be in His presence before asking for serenity or courage.

The first part of the prayer asks for the "serenity to accept the things I cannot change." This can be the most difficult part of the prayer for many people, especially those who like to be in control. Identify the things you are holding onto that you cannot change and to let go of them, rather than ruminating on them endlessly.

The second part of the prayer asks for "the courage to change the things I can." This can be difficult as well, but be encouraged to take action where you can, rather than simply resigning yourself to your circumstances.

Finally, this prayer asks for "the wisdom to know the difference" between what can and cannot be changed. This is a lifelong process, seek God's guidance and wisdom as you navigate life's challenges.

Overall, this experience offers a reflective exploration of the Serenity Prayer, encouraging listeners to seek God's solace and provision in moments of helplessness and His power and strength in moments of courage.

Written by: Brandon Bathauer
Music by: Ivymusic

Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
http://saddleback.com/thewell

If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9zS9FZWkQO_L7WlVWOP5r9WqhO3pkEd/view?usp=sharing

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here:
https://forms.gle/BXjN6K9rWayGudQy6

"The Well" is a proud member of the Saddleback Church Family of Podcasts. Please also check out:
saddleback.com/found
Saddleback.com/doable
Saddleback.com/leadwithworship

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. 
 
At the intersection of humanity's brokenness and God's divine grace stands the cross. Good Friday is good because it unveils what is true, what is real. The cross shows us the depths of our brokenness and need of a savior, and the amazing reality of God's love, and all His salvation means to us. Reflect on the ancient Greek breath prayer "Kyrie eleison", and the Latin prayer "Agnus dei qui tollis peccata mundi".

Written by Brandon Bathauer
Music: "Price of Freedom" by Zakhar Valaha 

This episode is part of a three part series:
Reflection on the Cross: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ddc6cab7
Reflection on the Tomb: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c4a045f
Reflection on the Resurrection: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1a1dc0e

To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . 

You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. 

For a manuscript of this reflection, here is a link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WY2vdGIDSe9SGi0bnvatTPftxpfCHZ-K/view?usp=sharing

Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
http://saddleback.com/thewell

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here:
https://forms.gle/BXjN6K9rWayGudQy6

"The Well" is a proud member of the Saddleback Church Family of Podcasts. Please also check out:
saddleback.com/found
Saddleback.com/doable
Saddleback.com/leadwithworship

What holds your delight these days? Have you had any moments of delight recently? Spend some time reflecting on all the delights God places into your life, turning your delight to Him. You will learn the meaning of Psalm 37:4, reflect on what your desires are focused on now, and have some time to pray and ask for God's help to delight more and more in Him.

Written by: Brandon Bathauer
Music by: JD Gluck

Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
http://saddleback.com/thewell

If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4eGZoZhio2Dyc8T-4UrkM-ouPi7YPmW/view?usp=sharing

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here:
https://forms.gle/BXjN6K9rWayGudQy6

"The Well" is a proud member of the Saddleback Church Family of Podcasts. Please also check out:
saddleback.com/found
Saddleback.com/doable
Saddleback.com/leadwithworship

(Advent Series Part 4 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this final Well episode of 2022, explore the theme of LOVE. Mary's story is a remarkable story, one that we can find a lot of our own story within, especially this year. Dig into the Hebrew concept of Hesed (committed love) and the Greek concept of Agape (others-oriented love) as you are held closely by Him. Written by Brandon Bathauer. Please share your comments and thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to “The Well” on apple podcasts or your podcast app of choice: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... http://saddleback.com/thewell If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztoD... We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...

(Advent Series: Part 3 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, explore the theme of joy. We all need joy, not just some fleeting happiness. In this upside down season, how can we find moments and glimpses of joy? We can only find real joy in light of the relational reality of God's coming near. Take some time to soak in the nearness of God, so you may be a source of joy to others around you. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. Written by Brandon Bathauer If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1raIJWTrF0sc-T4rmkLC9xtGNI7U8V1H5 We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here: https://forms.gle/1Jz3swsKb

(Advent Series: Part 2 of 4) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, put yourself into the shoes of those who lived in Bethlehem. What did peace mean to them? How is God's promised peace different from the world's peace? If peace is greater than the absence of conflict, what could that mean to you? Spend some time with the God who brings us true peace, the peace we all need. To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. Written by Brandon Bathauer If you'd like to read through at your own pace, here is a link to the manuscript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16YCOKC83Q_UNGqU9bJ-UD4S1JEwhjaTc/view We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts about this reflection here: https://forms.gle/13LLUGqSDFSgucUq8

(4-week Advent Series) A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. In this episode, begin the season of Advent by practicing anticipation...Hope. Like a nightwatch waits for morning, what do you watch for? What are you hoping for in this season? How can Jesus' arrival help shape what we are anticipating? Spend some time with the God who is with us and see what He says to you. Written and Recorded by Brandon Bathauer To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. We would love to hear about your experience with The Well, let us know! https://forms.gle/J77TAyd93QjW3NvV9 For a manuscript of this reflection, here is a link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uT8332aqMjmmnVqfcEJiBYSbZWmuTSVy/view?usp=share_link

A guided time with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. On this second installment of a three part series, dig into Jesus' words from Matthew 7:7-8, where He calls His followers to be a people who ask, who seek, and who knock. In this episode, reflect on what it means to be a person who seeks. Like a journeyer searching the Earth for a perfect pearl, God calls all of us to be seekers. This isn't just for those who are wondering about following Jesus, it is for all of us. We are meant to KEEP seeking. Dig into this episode to reflect on this reality...what does it look like to keep seeking after God in all areas of life? Music: "Touch and Sound" by Juan Sanchez Written and Recorded by Brandon Bathauer To learn more about Spiritual Growth, visit saddleback.com/grow . You can also get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]. We would love to hear about your experience with The Well, let us know! https://forms.gle/J77TAyd93QjW3NvV9 For a manuscr