“The Scriptures, the words of the living prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost are powerful in their ability to keep us safe. Let us hold fast to the words of the prophets.”
Neil Anderson
When my son was a toddler he would stand on my foot and wrap his arms around my leg. Wherever I walked he was with me, firmly strapped or superglued to my leg. His little arms held fast and he wouldn’t let go. I loved having him close to me.
Several times in the Old Testament God exhorts us to hold fast to Him. To hold fast means “to be firmly fixed, adhering firmly or to be stuck.” Deuteronomy 13:3b-4 says: “The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”
In other translations to “hold fast” is seen as “to cling to” or “to cleave.” God encourages us to be superglued to Him. He wants us to be firmly attached so wherever He goes, we go. Being in this position causes a knee-jerk response to follow Him. I can’t help but follow Jesus when I’m firmly attached to Him. I’m reminded of Ruth 1:16b where Ruth tells her mother-in-law, Naomi these words of commitment. “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” The Lord loves to have us be that close to Him. It warms His heart to know we love Him more than anyone or anything else.
Unfortunately other attractions such as idols can sometimes distract us or turn our attention away from God. I’m sure if when my son was superglued to my leg and someone waved a new toy in front of his face, he would have been tempted to let go and toddle after that toy. Likewise, if we’re not careful to stay firmly attached to God we too will be lured away by false gods. To hold fast to God means I will say yes to Him and no to all other attractions. When we’re superglued to God we cannot hold on to the Lord with one hand and the things of the world with the other. Both hands are needed to cling to the Lord.
When our arms are wrapped around the Lord, He is all we see. And it’s in that position we feel safe, knowing our all powerful Abba Father will take care of us and fight off our enemies. Being superglued to God gives us the security we long to have.
So what are you waiting for? Hop onto your heavenly Papa’s foot, wrap your arms around His strong leg and hold fast to Him. Enjoy the ride wherever He takes you!
“Never hold on to anything tighter than you’re holding on to God.”
Anonymous
Relevant Reflections:
1. Describe a time when you were superglued to God.
2. Currently, what idols are vying for your attention? Hold onto God all the more tightly.
3. In what area of your life do you need to tighten your grip on God and follow Him?