Photo by Filomena Scalise

In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel raises a monument to God's provision.  He named this monument "Ebenezer."

There's a hymn that hints at this story. 

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by thy help I'm come

Samuel created the Ebenezer because he wanted the people to remember that God had come through for them.  We would be wise to do likewise.

For some, the cultivation of this memory comes from actual physical things: jewelry, tattoos, rocks.  I keep a pair of sunglasses in my truck to remind me of God's work in my friend Clay's life, and to remind me to pray for him.

For others, their Ebenezers are other things.  One of my friends uses the song "Come Thou Fount" as a reminder of God's faithfulness.  Another goes faithfully to a particular church. 

I find it helpful to stay in close contact with people with good memories.  Matt, Bill, Jose, Robert, BJ...these guys all help with the hard work of remembering God's faithfulness.  They keep me grateful.

God has come through for us.  We remember.  Let us give thanks.