The power of looking back

Mike Bonem July 12, 2020

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You probably know the term "Ebenezer," which means "stone of help." You may know the story from 1 Samuel 7 in which God miraculously intervenes to deliver the people of Israel from an enemy army that was poised to attack. The passage concludes, "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up … He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the LORD helped us'" (1 Samuel 7:12).

This is one of several instances when God's people set up markers to remind themselves of God's deliverance in the face of impossible odds.

The practice of remembering is a rich spiritual discipline. When faced with difficult circumstances, our human tendency is to either give up or muscle up. One is an act of resignation and the other an act of self-reliance. But a better response is to look up and remember how God has intervened in the past.

How? Here are 5 specific ways:

• Look back at old journals.If you have kept spiritual journals, review some of your old entries to be reminded of prayers that God has answered.
• Start a new journal. Perhaps you don't have old journals to review. You can always start one, reflecting on the "God moments" in your life.
• Talk to a joyful person.Some people just exude joy. Have a conversation with one of those friends and ask their secrets for maintaining such a positive outlook.
• Redirect doomsayers.At the other extreme, some people quickly pull you into a whirlpool of negativity. If you find that happening, interrupt and ask what God might be doing or teaching in this moment.
• Read the inspiring stories of faithful saints. Whether in Scripture or contemporary accounts, these stories remind us that we are not alone and that God is present and active in all circumstances.

Try one or more of these practices. You may discover that Ebenezer stones are all around you.

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Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

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