As a Christian radio host, I occasionally get to ask songwriters and musicians about the writing process that leads to the creation of their music. These worshipers often refer to a specific event that became the inspiration for a particular song. Then when I hear the track, I’m reminded of the story behind the lyrics. Just as these songs contain reminders of an individual’s journey, so do poems, blogs, paintings, and social media updates. They all serve as ways we can remind ourselves and others of the provision, deliverance, and presence of God.
The Israelites were often commanded to build tangible reminders of the faithfulness of the Lord. They would erect stones, pillars, or altars after a victory over an enemy or as a reminder of the provision of God (Joshua 4:5-7; 1 Samuel 7:17). Just south of Gilgal, the Israelites had twice been defeated by the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant had been stolen (1 Samuel 4:1-11, 5:1). But when they finally defeated the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone as a reminder of the Lord’s help and called it Ebenezer, which literally means “stone of help.” Samuel said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!” (1 Samuel 7:12).
When we go through the trials and sorrows of life (John 16:33), we often forget God’s faithfulness and how He carried us and gave us victory in previous similar challenges. Jesus doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8). We can look back and be confident that He will once again prove Himself faithful, no matter the difficulties we face today.
Your “Ebenezers” will remind you of what God has done, and they can also be a powerful witness to others of the continuing faithfulness of the Lord.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 4:1-42
More:
Read Psalm 96:1-4 and consider the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Next:
What tangible reminders do you have of God’s favor or provision in your life? Why is it vital that we continually reflect on God’s faithfulness?
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 21, 2014 at 8:35 am
I pray that my life, in word and deed would resonate with countless examples of the faithful Heavenly Father I serve.
ibukunoluwa12 on June 21, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Dear lord please grant me the wisdom to always remember Your faithfulness in the past and help me to focus more to You,
ibukunoluwa12 on June 21, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Thanks for the reminder Ruth, i pray God will help us to remember these words everyday of our lives
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 21, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Thanks ibukunoluwa. We often become weighed-down and disheartened by difficult circumstances. That’s why the apostle Paul reminded us to, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice’. We have to get into the habit of defaulting to trusting in our unchanging and faithful God.