Ebenezer: A Marker of God’s Faithfulness
Bible Passage
1 Samuel 7:12 (NLT) Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah.[a] He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!”
Devotional
As we prepare to begin a new year it’s fitting to reflect on the journey we’ve been on with God this last year.
The prophet Samuel set up the Ebenezer remembrance stone to remind God’s people of the times of discipline and the times when God’s hand of blessing had been on their lives.
It was to help them bring to mind those times when the Lord had clearly influences their lives. Just as Samuel set up the Ebenezer stone (as it says above; meaning “the stone of help”) it is helpful to acknowledge markers of God’s help and influence in our lives.
Reflect on God’s Faithfulness
Think back over the highs, lows, and the seemingly ordinary moments of the past year. In times of joy and in times of difficulty, God has always been with us, guiding our steps, and revealing His grace in unexpected ways.
“Up to this point the Lord has helped us”
Let’s proclaim this, and begin the year remembering all those ways that God has helped us. Take a moment to think of some of those times you’ve noticed Him providing for you, where He has comforted you.
Respond with Gratitude
When we spend time recognising God’s faithfulness to us, gratitude becomes a natural response.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Spend a moment in grateful prayer, worshipping God as you think of all those times that he has helped us, disciplined us, shown us His love as a generous and good parent.
Setting up “Your Stone of Help”
What could you do to mark the ways in which the Lord has helped you?
May this passage about Samuel remind us of the importance of acknowledging God’s wonderful provision in our lives, and help us offer Him the worship and gratitude which He deserves.
Click here to listen to Great is Thy Faithfulness
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