In 1758, Pastor Robert Robinson wrote lyrics for what became an influential hymn: “Come Thou Fount.” He was going through difficulties in his early 20s. During this challenging season, Robinson was inspired by the Bible story from I Samuel 7, where Samuel places a stone of remembrance and names it Ebenezer, or “stone of help,” to commemorate how God protected the people of Israel.

Here’s a portion of the hymn:

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I’ve come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Bought me with His precious blood

After 20 years of heartache while under Philistine control, the Bible says that the Israelites began to experience a time of revival. They threw away their idols and turned their hearts to the Lord. Samuel called the people to fast, confess their sins, and ask God to help them. As the Israelites gathered to follow Samuel’s instructions, the Philistines thought, “We’ve got ’em! They’re cornered in the valley. They’re distracted because of their worship. Let’s finish them off!”

But as Israel is praying, and the Philistines charge in, attempting to kill them, the Bible says the spirit of the Lord confused the Philistines. He thundered upon them with His presence, and they turned and ran away in terror from Israel. It was a miracle! God saved Israel, and all they had to do was to pray and obey. 

Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, “The Lord has helped us to this point.” So, the Philistines were subdued, and they would not invade Israel’s territory again. What does Ebenezer mean? It means God has helped us, God has protected us, God has provided for us. 

I don’t know what you’re going through. But like the Israelites and Robert Robinson, maybe you need to get on your knees today and pray 1 Samuel 7:12 or sing this great hymn. Here I raise my Ebenezer. Here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Thank you, God, for helping us and meeting all our needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen!