Finding Our Ebenezer: Anchored in Covenant Amidst the Famine

Sometimes, when the spiritual winds blow hard, it feels like we’re spinning so fast we might just get dizzy and fall. You look around the field, the community, even your own heart, and it feels like every man, woman, and child is doing what is right in their own eyes. It’s a dizzying, confusing time, isn't it?

I was listening to the recent study on Ruth and 1 Samuel, and it hit me with such clarity. It’s a powerful reminder that even when the backdrop is one of moral relativism—a time when there seemed to be no King, no clear direction—the light of covenant loyalty and desperate, honest prayer can shine so brilliantly.

If you've been feeling that spiritual famine lately, that sense that the Word is hard to find, let these stories be your anchor. They teach us that true devotion isn't about what's convenient or what feels good in the moment; it's about holding fast to the truth revealed by the Lord.

The Power of the Fixed Point

The speaker compared it to figure skaters who must keep their eyes fixed on a stationary point while spinning at incredible speed. That fixed point—that single, unchanging focus—is what keeps us from falling into the chaos. For us, that fixed point is the covenant path, the law of love, and the truth found in our scriptures.

Think about Ruth. Her commitment—"whither thou goest, I will go"—is the absolute antithesis of pride. It’s a radical, selfless choice that costs her worldly security but anchors her soul to something eternal. Similarly, Hannah’s journey from wanting status to vowing to "lend him to the Lord" shows us the anatomy of true, covenant-keeping prayer.

It’s easy to get caught up in the "Bethlehem" mindset—the idea that we should find all our sustenance and answers right where we started. But the famine, both literal and spiritual, forces us to look outward, to lean on those who exemplify selfless discipleship.

Building Our Ebenezer

The biggest takeaway for me, and what I hope you take away today, is the concept of the "Ebenezer"—a stone of help. Samuel didn't just remember that the Lord *had* helped them; he set up a visible marker and declared, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

What is your Ebenezer? What is the spiritual milestone, the moment of deliverance, the covenant promise, or the scripture study that reminds you, right now, when your faith feels shaky, that the Lord has already been faithful? Don't let those moments fade into the general noise of the day.

If you need a refresher on how to anchor your heart, I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode on Ruth & 1 Samuel 1-7—Women of Faith. It walks through these covenants beautifully.

🔥 Mission Prep Skill Bite: When you feel tempted to justify your current actions by saying, "Well, everyone else is doing it," pause. Instead, ask yourself: "What would I do if I were acting only in the eyes of God's law of love?" That shift from "what feels right" to "what is right in God's eyes" is the heart of the Gospel.

If you're looking for a place to dig deeper into these covenants, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. Or, if you want to practice wrestling with tough doctrinal questions, I always recommend working through a session with Davee in the AI Investigator role. He's fantastic at helping you prepare for those tricky missionary discussions!

Let’s keep building those markers of help. Share your personal "Ebenezer" story in the comments below!