Yesterday, we discussed Jacob’s dream about the ladder that ascended to Heaven with angels moving up and down, going about the Lord’s work. After having such an incredible vision, he woke up encouraged by the affirmation that God’s covenant promise would continue through him and his offspring. Even though he had tricked his way into receiving the birthright and his father’s blessing, Jacob realized that his Heavenly Father would not withhold good things from his future because of it. Since the joy that washed over him in that place was great, he resolved to memorialize it, so he took the stone he’d used as a pillow the night before and designated it as a monument to the Lord’s faithfulness. Though that city had previously been called Luz, he renamed it Bethel, which means house of God. As he earnestly declared, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven,” Jacob reaffirmed his commitment to walking with the Lord and being faithful to Him no matter what unfolded in the coming days. By establishing a physical reminder of divine goodness, he distinguished that location as a milestone upon which he could reflect when the road got especially rough.

My friend, it’s good to mark monuments to God’s faithfulness in your life. Though you may be forced to spend extended periods of time in a place of struggle, it’s important to commemorate those moments in which you knew for certain you experienced the Lord’s presence. Because your Savior is unceasingly faithful, there will always be mountaintops from which to gain perspective between the long, dark valleys He leads you through. As you behold the expanse of His majesty while atop those high places, you can memorialize His goodness and look back upon it when the view is not as clear. No matter how hard it gets, there will be a peak on the other side of your valley; you must simply be patient!