trbccoffeebreak

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Life is moving at a remarkable pace these days. And I don’t think it’s just because I have more years behind me than I have in front of me (per the theory that the length of days is relative to the number of days lived). I think that the past two years of historical shifts have warped everyone’s sense of time. Just listen to friends and coworkers, and you’ll hear comments like: “Was that yesterday or three weeks ago?”

So, I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotten into the habit of setting calendar reminders and phone alarms for just about everything. These help me connect to virtual meetings on time and meet deadlines. A gentle (or not-so-gentle) ringtone prompts me to recall a task at hand. But these reminders also allow me to look back and assess tasks completed and goals met, which, in turn, spurs me on to tackle what’s next with confidence.

As believers, it’s really easy to get lost in the spiritual battles of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow. Anxieties wash over us as we pray for various health, financial, and family matters that can sometimes feel like day-after-day games of whack-a-mole. We desperately cry out to God for help while an undercurrent of doubt and fear leaves us unsettled even after our “Amen” is uttered.

Much like our calendars assert meetings held, jobs done, and special occasions attended, so must we create reminders of God’s amazing work in our life. Prayers answered, mercy shown, miracles done, comfort provided. I am confident that for you—like me—His faithfulness has been great and His love unfailing. But, like the Israelites wandering in the desert, we experience the Lord’s graciousness in blatantly obvious and preciously subtle ways…then, sadly, we forget. Our spiritual (or tangible) need is met, and we move on. And when we enter the next trial, trouble, or spiritual battlefield, it’s like we’re completely oblivious to everything He’s accomplished on our behalf (let alone that He is actually in control of it all)!

Friend, let’s become as diligent about noting the Lord’s provision as we are about recording calendar meetings and events. A prayer journal is a great place to start, where we can write needs and concerns, as well as Providential answers for our good and His glory. But there are other reminders that the Lord gives us daily—and we don’t even have to set an alarm. Just waking up with His breath in our lungs is a reminder of His new mercies for a new day. Beholding a gorgeous sunrise or sunset is a reminder to acknowledge our Creator God who sustains it all. And, as we walk through this dark world, we are reminded that we were once blind to Truth, and now we see.

In response to a previous conversation about this topic, a sweet sister of mine handed me a gift at church the other day: A smooth stone of remembrance (Ebenezer) with 1 Samuel 7:12 written on it. (Go back to read this story of God’s faithfulness, and you’ll understand the wonderful reference.) This precious stone now sits between my two work computers—which hold my online calendars—as a constant reminder of the Lord’s unfailing love, relentless mercy, and unfathomable grace for me. No annoying ringtones needed.

“You are faithful, Lord. Let me wake up each day to this truth, not forgetting who You are and all You’ve done for me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life