Altars and Signposts

“There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” Gen 12:8

Crossroads can be scary. By definition – of going in different directions – they make us choose. Do you feel you’re at a crossroads in your life? In need of a signpost or something to give clear direction - which way to take? Perhaps there is a signpost and you just can’t see it. How can you know?

I’ve read that many times in Abram’s journey with God he built altars and worshipped. As he remembered special times when God spoke and revealed His will, Abram set an altar there. But they weren’t just altars of remembrance in Abram’s life, they served as signposts to his sons and grandsons and those who followed him.

I ask myself, where have I set an altar, or a place of remembrance, in my life to return to and recall the goodness and faithfulness of my Heavenly Father? Sometimes I need to be reminded; to go back and remember – so I can go forward again.

Actually I do remember such a special time. It was on my wedding day. I stood in the little chapel an hour before the ceremony, admiring the candelabra, green ferns and lovely flowers on the piano. Light cascaded through the stained glass behind the pulpit and caressed the altar. Confident of my love for the man who would be my husband, secure in the knowledge that God had brought him into my life and approved our union. I stood quietly and prayed, Heavenly Father, please bless our marriage and keep us strongly committed to You and each other as we start our lives together. Give us the faith and strength we’ll need to overcome the tests and trials that will surely come our way.

Gently, words came into my mind. “Remember this time, never let it go. Hold onto it tightly. Whenever there is doubt or fear, come back to this - and remember.”

I set an altar of remembrance that day. A signpost I could return to in my heart whenever the need came, and I have, in fact, returned to it many times over the years. In times of frustration, fear and doubt. When silly questions would insinuate themselves in my mind. Did I choose rightly, or was it just my passion of the moment? Was that really you speaking, Lord, or my imagination? When those thoughts assailed me, I returned to my altar of remembrance and received assurance from my Heavenly Father. Then I could continue to walk in His strength knowing He would go with me.

These days we don’t go around making altars of stone. But we can create signposts, or altars, in different ways. Perhaps a written journal recording our spiritual progress, times of refreshing, or a healing touch. Record times when God has answered specific prayers, brought friends alongside to encourage or lend a helping hand. We can establish altar’s of praise and remembrance in our hearts to God. A place to return and recount God’s goodness and power to deliver, and leave a signpost for others to follow as well.