Do you know what an Ebenezer is? It's more than just Scrooge's first name, it means "stone of help" and comes from 1 Samuel 7 where the Israelites are about to get stomped by the Philistines so they beg God to save them and He does. In memory of what God had done, Samuel set a stone in the ground and named it Ebenezer saying "Thus far the Lord has helped us." It's like when you're on a road trip and you see a historical marker to remind you of what happened in a certain place. Yesterday I sat down with my journal (which is rare) and spent some time thinking through the past year and all that God has done for me. I wanted to write it all down as a personal ebenezer so I wouldn't forget. In the Bible He's pretty big on His people taking time to remember all He's done and celebrate it so I thought I should do the same. Here's what I came up with:
1) Free (finally) of a desperate need for love from people - Praise God!
2) Traveled to Belgium, France, England, the Dominican Republic and spent a month in Denver with Dad. God provided the time and resources for all of it - Praise God!
3) Rescued Phil and saved the Snowbeast from coyotes (two of them had her cornered on the front porch) - Praise God!
4) Life is stress free (mostly) and my old anxieties are gone. Christmas was celebrated with family for the first time in years without the sting of death and suffering - Praise God!!
5) I have a deeper love for Jesus than ever before and a great desire to live for, give up my life for, Him alone.
Praise God!! He has done great things and my heart is filled with joy. I am deeply loved and cared for.
That's pretty much the entry word for word. I could have written more but the weight of a few of those things was enough to fill my heart and make me completely thankful. It's been an incredible year and all because of Jesus. So what about you guys? Have you taken time to think back over the last year and remember all that God has done? Maybe it's been a rough year and you're having a hard time seeing Him in it, but He's there - don't believe anyone who tells you He isn't. He has promised to never leave us or give up on us and He's never once gone back on a promise. And I would encourage you by saying that it's been in the harder years, the painful bits that I grew the most. As things get darker, His face shines brighter and if you just hold on and don't give up you'll see Him come to your rescue.
I would love to hear from you guys on how 2009 was and what we can be praying for you in 2010. I'll be praying for you no matter what so you might as well chime in and let me know how you're doing.
Love and Happy New Year!!
Jamie
Comments (5)
I've been thinking about this lately - about being thankful for what God has done in my life - but being the incredibly forgetful person that I am, I can't remember any specific (or even general) things that God has done for me over the past year. So I've decided to start a prayer journal, a "letters to God" sort of thing. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think that it will help me to focus and get my thoughts out (my mind tends to drift while I'm praying), as well as giving me a written record of what God has done in my life. It's sort of my New Year's Resolution, even though I don't really make them. I'm really hoping that it will help me in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Posted by Bethany | January 4, 2010 6:56 PM
This year has been hard for me. However,even in the worst times God showed me He was there. This is my top 5.
1) I have been able to go to my youth group more and more, even if my parents don't really support it.
2) I've grown a bit closer w/ God, and yes I keep one of those prayer journals 2. Writing helps me get more in touch w/ Him and helps me listen more also.
3)I have grown closer with my friends and been able 2 open up a little more with problems.
4) He has helped me supply me with a violin, an instrument I have played for 8 yrs now. I dont think we could have afforded a new one w/ out Him
5) Finally I am so glad that I found this sight. It has helped me through the worst times, and you have no idea how much it has meant 2 me. Thank you so much :) :) :)
Posted by Grace | January 5, 2010 4:05 PM
just throwing this out in the open. isnt interesting how we (or maybe its just me) mostly spend our time going through the list of things we need 2 fix. I think its great to have an ebenezer to thank Him for all He has done for us. I bet that makes Him feel good to hear that we're greatful.
Posted by Anonymous | January 22, 2010 6:51 PM
I am so thankfull for:
1.My dad got a great job in my hometown!!!
2.After that job ends we can still live in my hometown!!
3.I am very thankfull for Blue Sky Ranch. I got to live there for 7 months and couldnt have had a better experience then to live in the beautiful country!
4. I am thankfull for my kitten Mickey. If we hadent gotten him he might not still be alive!
5. Last but not least I am sooooo happy my mom pushed me to go to small group for the first time since it was my first year in middle skol i felt out of place and alone. Thank you jourey church and mom!
Posted by Carmen | February 3, 2010 10:34 AM
I love this idea! I've been facing some tough inner-battles over the past month, and I've realized that I've been losing sight of what God has done in and for me. So it'll be really good for me to sit down and create an Ebenezer that I can come to and reflect on when I need help and strength. :)
Also, I wanted to comment on something that I saw in the above comments... ;) I want to say that prayer journals/letters to God are the *last* thing from cheesy! I think they express a desire for a deeper relationship with God. I've been keeping prayer journals for the past 3-4 years... more steadily over 2 years, I guess, and they have helped me so so much. It's so easy to just pour your heart out to God in them without distraction, and looking back and seeing all the prayers God has answered and how much you've grown and how much He's taught & blessed you is so rewarding. So journal away!!!
Posted by Emily | February 5, 2010 8:46 PM