In 1986, Janet Jackson released a single called What Have You Done For Me Lately.  You are likely familiar with this phrase even if you haven’t heard the song.

This speaks to several aspects of the human condition: lack of consideration or gratitude, unrealistic expectations, or our propensity to forget quickly. As humans, we are all prone to forget or take those who serve us or have shown us kindness or consideration for granted. This is why it is essential for us to regularly take stock of our blessings. We can see this need in our lives and throughout scripture.

Though there are many such examples I could point to, the one that always comes to my mind is the Israelites complaining in the desert – to the point of them forgetting the harshness of their lives as slaves. (Numbers 11:16-20)

This passage, to me, always seems somewhat shocking; however, we are all prone to do the same. We fondly remember the “good ole days” and often forget the pain and struggle they held. And, when we forget the difficulties, we also forget God’s faithfulness in seeing us through them, which once again will knock our focus completely out of phase.

After forty years in the wilderness, just as soon as the children of Israel had entered the promised land, God instructed Joshua to build an alter of remembrance – an Ebenezer ((The word “Ebenezer” has ancient origins and is of Hebrew origin. In the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel 7:12, the term “Ebenezer” is mentioned. It is derived from two Hebrew words: “Eben” meaning “stone” and “ezer” meaning “help.” Combined, “Ebenezer” roughly translates to “stone of help” or “the stone of help is our God.” In the biblical context, it refers to a commemorative stone set up by the prophet Samuel to mark the victory of the Israelites over the Philistines, signifying God’s assistance and protection.)) (Joshua 4:1-7) – so that “In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’  You are to tell them,…”(vs. 6-7).

It is vitally important to our faith and the faith of those around us that we recount the stories of God’s faithfulness during difficult times. Doing so helps us keep a right perspective of the past and gives us hope in our present struggles by reassuring us that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

We may not stack up stones in our yards to remind us of the struggles God has seen us through, but counting our blessings and keeping those stories alive is vital to keeping our focus in phase.