Thus Far Has the Lord Helped Us

Scripture Focus

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’" – 1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

Devotional Reflection

Israel had just experienced a decisive victory over the Philistines after years of defeat and fear. Samuel marked the moment by setting up a stone of remembrance, declaring, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” It was a way of saying: We are here because God has been faithful.

Those words are honest. Till now doesn’t mean life had been easy—it means God’s help had been constant through every high and low. Sometimes we forget that trust is built one remembering at a time. Looking back allows us to see what pain and loss can hide in the moment: God has been with us all along.

When the future feels uncertain, we can return to the “stones” in our own lives—the moments we know God provided, protected, or guided us. They remind us that the One who has been faithful “till now” will be faithful still.

Inhale Truth, Exhale Trust

The God who has helped me before will help me again.

Breath Prayer: Inhale: “You have been faithful…” Exhale: “…and You will be faithful still.”

Practical Application

Write down three specific times in your life when you know God helped you. Keep the list somewhere you can see it often, especially in moments of doubt.

Journal Prompt

What are my “Ebenezer stones”—the moments where God’s help was unmistakable? How might remembering them grow my trust for today?

Closing Prayer

Lord, You have helped me every step of the way. When my heart forgets, remind me of the moments You carried me, provided for me, and sustained me. Let my past with You give me courage for what’s ahead. Amen.

Invitation to Live with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty

Trust deepens when we remember. God’s past faithfulness is our present confidence.