Stone of Help

Somewhere at the bottom of my purse is a small, polished river rock.

Most days it is hidden beneath crumpled groceries lists, tubes of lip balm and assorted loose change, waiting for the moment my searching finger tips brush its cool surface to remind me that God is near.


That little rock is my Ebenezer stone.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” – 1 Samuel 7:12

Memorials, or tangible reminders, are frequent throughout the pages of the Old Testament. So many of the significant moments in Israel’s history are marked by memorials: markers, solid and physical, offering testimony of the Lord’s nearness, power and care for those He loves.

Israel needed reminders.
While walking through the wilderness or while worshipping in the tabernacle long after they arrived in the promised land, the Lord was faithful to that need.

We need reminders.
Our frailty is no different than theirs. Our weakness allows us only a limited ability to fully rely on the Lord, to recall the wonders of His grace.

God knows this. He sees to the heart of every man and woman. He knows our needs.

And as much as we think we should be able to remember... we don't.
As much as we promise, in moments of brilliant light and wonder at His grace and goodness that we will not forget… we do.

We forget.
Our sight gets hazy.
We lose sight of Him.
We need a reminder.

Ebenezer is both reminder and promise…

Thus far the Lord has helped us.
The Lord does not change. His help and nearness are a constant in our lives.

Take a stone, He urges. Set it up.

I am your Ebenezer: your stone of help.
I am your Emmanuel: God with you.

Oh, the wonder!
A small, polished river rock… to remind me that I call the God of Heaven and Earth my Father.

Oh, Abba...