Thus far the LORD has helped us

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.' " 1 Samuel 7:12

The stone that the prophet set up was a memorial in remembrance of what God had done for the nation. Especially that day had they seen His hand working on their behalf to save them from their enemies, the Philistine army. Ebenezer literally means "Look what God has done for us up to this point!"

We, too, set up memorials, usually made from some permanent substance like granite, or bronze, so that time and the elements do not erode them. Their messages are etched for us to remember.

At the start of this new day, may you set up a memorial, a reminder, as you look back and say with the prophet of old, "Up to this point God has helped me." And Ebenezer reminds us that we can go forward, because He will continue to help us and be with us.

May this day bring you courage and hope from Him who says "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."