Life has a way of scattering our days with moments both ordinary and extraordinary, where the hand of God moves so clearly it’s impossible to ignore. Yet, how often do we rush past those moments, consumed by the demands of today or the uncertainties of tomorrow? Scripture invites us to pause, to stop in the middle of our journey, and build altars of remembrance—sacred markers that remind us of God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His presence in the twists and turns of our story.

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God commanded them to take twelve stones from the riverbed and build an altar. The purpose was clear: “So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever” (Joshua 4:7). This altar wasn’t just for the people who witnessed the miracle firsthand, but for their children and their children’s children. It was meant to be a testimony of what God had done—a tangible, unshakable reminder of His faithfulness in bringing them through impossibilities.

In our own lives, there are moments that serve as stones of remembrance. Perhaps they are times when God provided unexpectedly, met us in our deepest sorrow, or steadied our trembling hearts with His peace. These are sacred markers we must gather and arrange into altars. They become the anchors of our faith in seasons of doubt, the evidence of His love when we feel unworthy, and the spark of hope when despair looms large.

The wilderness seasons of life often leave us weary and questioning. When we are parched and the path ahead is unclear, it’s tempting to believe God has forgotten us. Yet, it is precisely in these barren places that the altars of remembrance speak most loudly. They remind us that the same God who provided manna in the desert, who parted the seas, and who calmed the storm still walks beside us.

Think back to a time when God revealed Himself in a way that left you speechless. Maybe it was a phone call when you needed encouragement most, a financial provision just in time, or an unexplainable peace that carried you through a storm. These moments are not coincidences; they are brushstrokes in the masterpiece of God’s faithfulness.

In my own life…just a couple of years ago… I was in the throes of suffering and profound grief when God’s presence felt distant. Yet, in the midst of my pain, there were unmistakable signs of His nearness—friends who prayed without ceasing and provided a ramp in front of my home, scriptures that seemed written just for me (Lamentations 3), and moments of unexpected grace from songs sung in church that whispered hope into my aching soul. My wife and family, visits from friends, a caring medical team who help me fight for a restoration of physical health, a tremendously supportive employer and coworkers…these were my stones, reminders that even when my faith faltered, God remained steadfast.

Building an altar of remembrance doesn’t require physical stones, though some find meaning in creating tangible memorials. It can be as simple as keeping a journal, where you recount God’s faithfulness in both the big and small moments. It might be a prayer of gratitude offered daily, or a family tradition of sharing testimonies around the table. The act of remembering isn’t just for the past; it shapes our present and future. When we take time to reflect on how God has carried us, it builds confidence in His unchanging nature. It reminds us that the God who parted the waters will do it again, in His perfect timing.

This intentional act of remembering is not passive but active—it requires us to stop, to see, and to give thanks. As the psalmist declared, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12). Reflecting on God’s work in our lives becomes a rhythm of gratitude, a way of staying grounded in His faithfulness.

Just as the Israelites’ altar was meant to tell future generations of God’s power, our stories are meant to do the same. Sharing our testimonies isn’t boasting in ourselves; it’s proclaiming the goodness of a God who has been faithful through every season. Perhaps you know someone walking through a valley right now. Your story of God’s faithfulness might be the lifeline they need. When we share how God has met us, it invites others to trust Him too. It says, “He did it for me, and He can do it for you.”

Every altar we build points to the ultimate act of faithfulness: the cross. On that rugged altar, Jesus gave His life so that we could live. His sacrifice is the cornerstone of every story of redemption, provision, and hope in our lives. Each time we remember His faithfulness, we are drawn back to the reality of His love—a love that never fails, never gives up, and never lets go.

In the rush of life, building altars of remembrance requires us to pause, to breathe, and to reflect. It’s a sacred act that roots us in gratitude and steadies us for what lies ahead. Today, take time to gather the stones of God’s faithfulness in your life. Write them down. Share them with a friend. Speak them aloud in prayer.

And as you do, may your heart swell with the warmth of His love, the strength of His promises, and the assurance that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion. For the God who was faithful yesterday is the same today, and He will be faithful forever.