Ebenezer: Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Me

Daily Devotional – Friday, December 31, 2021

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 (NKJV)

The year is over. Two strong feelings fill my mind.

On one hand, I breathe a sigh of relief. The year had many challenges. My work demanded much from me. I had early mornings and late nights. Sometimes, nobody appreciated my sacrifice. I also had to apologize severally for hurting others.

At home, my spouse and children demanded my attention. It did not matter that my days were long and exhausting. I also participated in and solved several family conflicts. Bills would always be waiting for me.

At a personal level, I am not happy with the failures and disappointments of this year. I am crossing over with some unfinished projects. Spiritually, I feel my walk with God was not as perfect as I would have wanted.

More Joy and Laughter Than Sorrow

However, when I flip the coin and look at the other side, I am thrilled to have brought a smile to many of my clients at work. I am glad I made new friends and new connections. Like my Master, I worked with gratitude even when no one noticed.

I thank God for my far-from-perfect family. We had more moments of joy and laughter than we had of conflict and sorrow. God came through us in our worst moments. None of our fears materialized. I am alive and healthy. I do not take this for granted. I am not any better than the sick in hospitals or those who have died. As for my unfinished projects, as long as I am alive and healthy, I can complete them.

Thus far the LORD has helped us- Ebenezer

Looking back, I know God was with me when I crossed flooded rivers of family and work challenges. Jesus walked with me through fiery furnaces of financial problems. How else am I alive in a year that was devastated by Covid-19 and economic recession?

That is why I identify with this iconic verse, “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, NKJV).

Thus far, the Lord has helped me. I take no credit for anything. Through the whole year, God walked with me. Even when I did not see Him, He was there with me. He rejoiced with me in my triumphs and wept with me in my sorrows.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that I am not consumed

As I looked back at the year that is ending, I can say with Prophet Jeremiah, “It is of the Lord‘s mercies that I am not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is God’s faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV).

As I celebrate the old year and welcome a new one, this verse comes to mind:

“What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me in the year gone by?I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.” (Psalms 116:12-14, NKJV).

Ebenezer, Thus far the LORD has helped me