Hitherto has the Lord helped us!

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

1 Samuel 7:12, "Hitherto has the Lord helped us!"

The word "hitherto" is like a monument of grace planted in the path of every believer. It invites us to look back and remember the unbroken line of God's mercies. With Samuel, we too may raise our Ebenezer and say, "Hitherto has the Lord helped us," through . . .
  every storm and every season,
  in times of plenty and times of need,
  through weariness and wonder,
  in valleys and on mountaintops.
Not one step of our pilgrimage has been without the presence, power, and provision of our faithful God.

Pause, dear believer, and look down the corridor of your past years. See the green boughs of God's mercy arching overhead, like a living cathedral of divine goodness. Each year, each trial, each answered prayer--these are like strong pillars holding up a sacred temple of remembrance. Listen carefully, and you will hear songs in the branches--sweet songs of God's providence, love and care. The Lord has helped you. Not merely watched, not merely pitied--but helped with almighty grace and tender compassion.

Yet "hitherto" also points us forward. It implies a future still unfolding under the shadow of the Almighty. The same God who has brought us this far, will not forsake us in the next step. Yes, more trials may come, but so will more grace. More burdens, but more strength. More temptations, but more deliverances. And when at last we reach the end of our earthly path, when sickness or age weakens the body and death approaches the door, will His help fail us then? Never! For death itself is but the final threshold into glory! And beyond it lies the eternal "help" of God:
  the face of Jesus,
  the fellowship of the redeemed,
  the joy of Heaven, and
  pleasures at His right hand forevermore.

Take courage, weary pilgrim. Raise your Ebenezer in quiet worship today. Look back with gratitude, look ahead with hope. For the God who has helped you "hitherto" will surely help you to the very end, and beyond!

 

We have publish Charles Wesley's precious hymn, "When Shall my Eyes Behold". You will have to click the CC button (Closed Captions) to view the lyrics.