It’s Time to Build…an Alter?
Are you feeling broken down with life?
Do you feel like you are living in the ruins of what used to be? Living among the rubble of your once sturdy life?
What are you going to do with those stones?
What if you build an alter with your broken pieces?
“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
Why did Samuel build an alter?
It’s a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. When they walked by that spot of land it would remind them of the times in the past when God helped them. When they saw the stone tower from afar they would remember when God helped them.
When you are sitting in your rubble…
When you don’t feel God…
When you don’t see any hope…
That’s when you need that reminder of Ebenezer.
Because God is still good, even when you can’t see it.
Even when you are sitting in the rubble of your life, God is still your stronghold.
Today at work I was listening to a message and they brought up how Noah built an alter when he got off the ark.
He could have done anything after being cooped up in a boat with lots of smelling animals, but he built an alter. An alter that signified God’s protection and promise.
You may feel like you are drifting on the open sea without a compass or map.
It may be time to build that alter to remind yourself that even when you feel uncertain, you can rest in God’s certainty.
Abraham built multiple alters, but one was in response to God’s provision. A reminder that God will provide.
You may be down to your last thread in finances, relationships, or job security.
It may be time to build an alter to remind yourself that God will provide for you. You are His child. He loves you more than the sparrows or lilies in the fields. So He will provide your daily needs.
After I listened to the message, I remembered a song by Chris Renzema and Ellie Holcomb, “Just as Good”
I’ve been here before, my heart feels so weak
Got this weight upon my chest, and
I can’t stop forgetting
My God, that You’ve never left, You’re right here with me
Still I’m convinced You’re hiding
Oh God, would You remind me?
That You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do
God, I need You
You’ve done this before, will You do it again?
‘Cause the waves are all around me
And it feels like I’m drowning
My God, will You still reach down and give me Your hand?
‘Cause even when I’m doubting
Your love, it still surrounds me, oh
And You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do
God, I need You, oh
And I will build an altar
Stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
And I will build an altar
Stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do, oh
Come do what only You can do
And I will build an altar
And stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
Oh, every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
I love the bridge in the song where they sing, “‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone…Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from.”
I love that image of the alter being a tangible marker pointing to God. Pointing to where my help comes from. Pointing to my stronghold. Pointing to my provider. Pointing to my redeemer. Pointing to my savior.
So even though you may be feeing alone, you are not alone. He is with you.
And even though you may be feeling lost, you are not lost. He knows where you are.
And I hope you know He is still just as good.
So it may be hard, but pick up that stone and place it on another. And use that alter as a reminder that even though you may not see it now, God is still just as good.
Peace
