I often judge the Israelites in the Old Testament, especially when they wander in the wilderness after being freed from Egypt. Didn’t God just provide for them a chapter ago, and now they’re complaining again? Why? How could they forget so easily?

But then I’m reminded of that verse about judging others before examining yourself—something about the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3-5)

Turns out that I’m not just judging the Israelites; I’m living their story on repeat. 

I may be walking through a deep valley right now, but just a chapter ago, God provided for my family in a mighty way. And not just once—time and time again, I can look back and see how the Lord has covered us in mercy and provision, even when the odds seemed stacked against us.

In Joshua 4, we see the Israelites stack stones as a memorial after God miraculously parted the Jordan River. These stones were to serve as a reminder for them and for their children of what God did in their moment of desperation.

Like the Israelites, I’ve realized that I’m quick to forget in my darkest moments. When life feels overwhelming, I need something to ground me—a “stone” to remind me that God’s faithfulness isn’t just for the past. His provision isn’t a one-time event; it’s a pattern of grace that continues in the present.

So, how do we practically “set up stones” in our own lives to remember God’s faithfulness?

• Journal God’s Provision: Write down instances where you’ve seen God provide—big and small. When you face hard times, read those entries to remind yourself of His faithfulness.
• Create a Physical Reminder: Whether it’s a jar filled with slips of paper listing blessings or a simple object that symbolizes God’s work in your life, something tangible can serve as a visual prompt to remember what He has done.
• Share Your Story: Telling others how God has come through for you helps solidify those memories. It not only encourages you but also reminds others of God’s goodness in their lives.
• Use Scripture as Your “Stones”: Memorize key Bible verses that remind you of God’s provision, like Joshua 4:7 or Philippians 4:19. When you feel discouraged, recite them to recall God’s promises.

Each “stone” becomes a marker of His goodness, a testimony that says: He provided before, and He will provide again. 

Remembering God’s faithfulness doesn’t mean we won’t face trials. Jesus Himself told us that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). Trusting in God’s provision doesn’t mean everything will always go the way we hope—but it does mean we can be confident that He walks with us through every valley. Sometimes, His provision looks like miraculous deliverance, and other times, it looks like the strength to endure. Either way, He is faithful.

So, in the midst of trauma and uncertainty, we don’t have to be shaken. God’s provision is not just part of our history—it’s the promise of our future.