“Thus Far The LORD Has Helped Us”

Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Astartes from among you. Direct your heart to the LORD, and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So Israel put away the Baals and the Astartes, and they served the LORD only.

Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you.” So they gathered at Mizpah, and drew water and poured it out before the LORD. They fasted that day, and said, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah.

When the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it they were afraid of the Philistines. The people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD; Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offerings, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel; but the LORD thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion; and they were routed before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as beyond Bethcar.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

1 Samuel 7:3-12

In 1876, the Sioux leader Crazy Horse joined forces with Sitting Bull to defeat General Custer. Shortly thereafter, starvation caused Crazy Horse to surrender to U.S. troops. He became a symbol of heroic leadership of a threatened people. Today the Black Horse memorial is being constructed. It will show Crazy Horse riding a galloping horse, pointing the way to his people.

Thousands of years ago, the prophet used a memorial stone in a significant way. In the midst of a crucial battle with the Philistines, Samuel called out to God on Israel’s behalf. The LORD answered his prayer. In gratitude, Samuel set up a stone saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” How about you? Has God helped you, and have you thanked Him? Do you keep a journal to remind you of all God has done for you? Have you told a friend what God has done in your life? It is good to remember that He continues to help us. Gratitude is the memory of a glad heart.

Our Daily Bread – March 23, 2009