The second verse of the hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”, begins, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer” — a reference which escapes some who sing it. The Biblical source for these words is in I Samuel 7. The prophet Samuel had issued a challenge for Israel to repent of the worship of false gods, and return to the Lord with all their hearts. The Bible says they heeded the call to revival, and subsequently defeated the Philistines in battle at Mizpah. So in :12 the Bible says “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenzer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’”

The name “Ebenezer” literally means “stone of help.” Samuel set up the stone as a testimony that the Lord had helped Israel to this point. Of course, the stone would also be a reminder for years to come that God would help them in new and further ways as well!

At various times, we as God’s people may also in a sense “raise our Ebenezer” – that is, testify that “thus far the Lord has helped us.” Let me bear that testimony: I am currently living in Norman, Oklahoma, where I came to reside with an illness which was thought to be debilitating, perhaps for life. What my future held, and how we would be provided for, was, humanly speaking, in doubt. But after just a few months, I am thankful to be able to testify both to the provision God has given us, and the remarkable healing He is granting me! Here in this small Oklahoma city I can say, “Here I raise mine Ebenzer” – “thus far the Lord has helped us”! And it gives me confidence that He will continue to manifest His provision and direction in the days ahead.

It is never a good thing to live in the past. But it is also appropriate for God’s people to look back and appreciate what He has done, as it testifies to the kind of God He is: compassionate and gracious, who has a plan He is working in and through us. Perhaps it is time for you to join Samuel, and countless other servants of God, in saying, “Here I raise mine Ebenzer.” If you can see that God has helped you this far, let it give you confidence that He will continue to do even more presently!