Faith Memories

Remember His marvellous works
that He hath done; His wonders,
and the judgments of His mouth.
Psalm 105:5

The Israelites had won a great battle over the Philistines outside of Mizpeh. It was a tremendous victory brought about through God's strengthening of His people. It was such a momentous moment that Samuel the high priest, felt it necessary to do...something special to commemorate the wonderful event. He chose to do something we would consider rather unusual:

Then Samuel took a stone,
and set it between Mizpeh and Shen,
and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying,
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
I Samuel 7:12

The word “ebenezer” means “stone of help.” Samuel didn't want the people to ever forget what God had brought about through them in that battle. He wanted there to be some thing they could always look at and remember more what God had done than what they had done.

It is interesting that this very thing is spoken of in the second verse of a very old hymn, Come Thou Fount. As a child, I remember singing it and always wondered what “ebenezer” was. The first two lines of the second verse say

“Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.”

I sang that song about raising my own ebenezer, but had no idea what I was singing. However, even today, I wonder if there aren't ebenezers we can look back to in our own spiritual walk. We may not have left special rocks along the way, but we have special spiritual memories we can remember “hitherby God's help I've come.”

An assistant pastor of ours in a Bible study recently mentioned the term “faith memories.” I love that term because that's what an ebenezer actually means. He mentioned stressing those in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Such faith memories are faith building for children and for we adults as well. There are times when God brings us through some tough battles both individually and as families. We all need to recognize His necessary part in those battles being won.

Human memories can be faulty or lacking, especially as we grow older. In general, we tend to not think or ponder on the blessings of God...ebenezers...things we take from God with little remembrance of those big and little blessings, victories that changed our lives. It means determining to be more conscious of our faith memories.

I will remember the works of the Lord:
surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
Psalm 77:11

There are times when we go through very disturbing events in life. We can focus on those events and become discouraged or depressed, but often remembering those victories or special events orchestrated by God for our benefit can encourage and uplift us.

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed
within me;
my heart within me is desolate.

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all thy works;
I muse on the work of thy hands.
Psalm 143:4,5

It is so easy for we Christians to get off track...lose our vision, enthusiasm and spiritual focus. I would like to think that the surrounding world and it's problems don't affect me but they do. If I find myself in such a rut, it's hard looking up and over the edges of that rut to see God's sunshine let alone being able to think upon the spiritual victories of the past He has brought me through. That may never happen for you but it does me on occasion. No matter the battle or war we face, God stands ready to strengthen us beyond any expectation.

Where are those spiritual landmarks of victory that have blessed us beyond words? Perhaps we need to get those “ebenezer rocks” out of the closets of our minds. As we remember those precious times of victory and God's goodness, we are renewed in spirit and others may share in those times be they our children or friends.

Thank You Father for all of the “ebenezers” I have stored in my heart of those times You've given me of blessing and victory. I am so undeserving of the richness I have in my relationship with You. Forgive my ingratitude. I love you....in Jesus' precious name...Amen

.