Hitherto the Lord has helped
Today's focusWhen the frightened Israelites ask Samuel to keep crying to the Lord, God hears and rescues them, and Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, saying, 'Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.'
Read
7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar. 12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
Reflection
As you reach the end of this year, you may feel like the children of Israel at Mizpeh. When they heard their enemies were approaching, "they were afraid." Life often brings seasons where challenges feel overwhelming and you feel unprepared for the battle ahead. In their fear, the people did not rely on their own strength; instead, they asked Samuel to "cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us." Their hope was found in God’s intervention rather than their own power.
The passage shows that God is attentive to these cries. While the offering was being made, "the Lord heard him" and answered with a "great thunder," confusing the enemy and providing a way for Israel to prevail. God met them in their moment of vulnerability.
To mark this victory, Samuel placed a stone and named it Ebenezer. This physical reminder was a testimony: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." As you look back over the months behind you, you can see your own "Ebenezer" moments. Even in the midst of fear, God has brought you to this point. You can enter the new year knowing that the same God who helped you "hitherto" is with you still.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Looking back over this year, where can you set up your own 'Ebenezer' — a moment when you know the Lord helped you?
Pray
Faithful God, hitherto you have helped me. Thank you for the times this year when you heard my cry and carried me through. Let me never forget your help.