Spiritual Landmarks - January 26, 2010
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Spiritual Landmarks
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."
1 Samuel 7:12
It's a good idea to establish some spiritual landmarks, reminding us of the times God intervened on our behalf. Without them we quickly forget, lose our bearings, or claim credit for things we'd nothing to do with. When God miraculously opened the Jordan River for the Israelites to pass over, He knew something they didn't - that soon they'd come up against Jericho, their biggest obstacle. That's when they'd need reminders and a reference point. So He told them to collect 12 stones from the Jordan and build a memorial. This would act as a reminder of His past faithfulness. God was saying, 'When you can't cope with the future, check with the past. My goodness will stand inventory.' Samuel did the same after Israel defeated the Philistines. He took a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us' (1 Samuel 7:12). Think of some of the spiritual landmarks in your life 'thus far'. Like the day Jesus saved you from a bad situation; or specific instances when He guided you; or doors He opened that you thought were permanently shut; or scrapes He brought you through. Go ahead, establish some spiritual landmarks by keeping a record of these events! They're important, because whenever you're struggling, they'll remind you of how God's cared for you. They'll help you to see His past goodness, even when you weren't aware of it. They'll give you a sense of gratitude for yesterday's blessings and the confidence to face whatever tomorrow brings!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the times that you have given me "markers" to show me your presence in my life. Help me mark them and remember them as I go forward today. In Jesus' Name, Amen
I want to thank you for today's devotion. It made me realize I already have some spiritual landmarks and I need to look at them more often. I've been journaling for many years. I have over 23 journals. I also have other landmarks. I keep crocuses in my front and back yards to remind me how God got me through post-partum depression nearly 12 years ago. The depression is like snow and the hope on the other side is like the crocuses. My other spiritual landmark is a beautiful vase I bought at Tiffany's when my children were small, soon after that. It reminds me how with God's help I got through a difficult time when my husband was at work and school and I felt isolated with small children. Now I'm going through another trial. After being out of work for a year, my husband has taken a job out of state. The kids and I are here in Michigan and we see him only on weekends. I work 32 hours a week at a retail job so we have medical insurance. My kids are 14, 12 and 10.5 and in three different schools. I've had to drop all of my "fun" activities like running children's ministry and heading my ladies group because it's all I can do to keep the kids up to date on schoolwork, get them to activities and make sure there is food in the house. I really liked your comment "when you can't cope with the future, check with the past". When I look at my crocuses or my vase, I can remember how God has never let me down before and he will get me through this too.
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