Robert Robinson wrote the classic hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” The hymn invites us to remember and appreciate all that God has done for us. One stanza has the phrase, “Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’ve come.” The term Ebenezer means “stone of help.” It dates back to a time when ancient Israel was feeling that God had abandoned them. To renew their relationship with God, Samuel told them to abandon their idols and serve only the true God. They called a meeting to renew their vows. But when they gathered to pray, their enemies also gathered–to attack them. When word spread that their enemies were coming, they begged Samuel to plead with the LORD for them. Samuel pleaded and the LORD answered him. God so confused their enemies that the people were able to chase them out of their land. To celebrate that victory, Samuel positioned a large stone as a memorial. He named it “Ebenezer” which means “stone of help;” for he said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us.” Remembering past blessings can fortify our capacity to cope with present realities. That is why we count our blessings and name them one by one. Before you know it, you will be raising your Ebenezer, saying, “Up to this point it is the Lord who has helped me.”
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