Dear Sisters in Christ,

The final element of this verse is holding fast to God.  Learning to do this takes strength and faithfulness.

What does it take to hold fast to God?

First, in order to hold fast, we must let go.

At first thought this statement might seem like an oxymoron!  You might think, "Wait a second.  Holding on to something is grasping it as tightly as you can.  Letting go has nothing to do with it!"  But, in reality, letting go has everything to do with holding on because in order to grab on and hold tight to something, you must let go of whatever is already in your hands.  For example, if I am reading a book and want to write a letter, I must first let go of the book in order to grab my pen and write.  This principle also rings true in our spiritual lives.  All of us, dependent human beings, are holding onto something.  Maybe it's our reputation, beauty, being loved, being admired, friendships, media, and so on that we are clinging so tightly to.  Often times we think these things are all that matters and that they give such happy satisfaction.  We feel that if we must let go of them, we will lose our purpose and even who we are.  But in reality these things are the very "idols" that are keeping us from grasping the only One in the world that can fill us up, God.  Consequently, if we want to live a life close to God knowing His heart, we must say "okay God.  I choose to let go of my "idols" that are truly only hurting me and chose instead to hold on to You, my healer, alone."

Secondly, holding fast takes determination amid distraction not to let go.

Once you have let go of your "idols," the next step is being determined not to let go of God.  Everyday, we live bombarded.  We cannot make it through a single day without being tempted and tried because deceptive (but appealing!) lies are on our every side!  But, in order not to slip, you must make choosing to hold on to God with everything in you a priority.  You must decide and stand firm in your decision to grasp God's hand alone.  When temptation comes you must not relent in your dedication to God; no matter what you feel, you must have your "mind over matter" and force your will to say yes to God.  It's extremely exhausting and difficult at times, but God is faithful in providing strength and encouragement.  After all, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

Finally, while you are holding fast, do not let your focus waver.
While you are holding fast to God resisting temptation, you might lose your correct focus and attach it onto worthless things.  In my opinion, there are only two options on where focus can be put: on God  -or-  on worldly things.  You can be holding fast to God continually thanking Him and rejoicing in Him in for all that He is and all that He has done; let me tell you, doing this gives you a spring in your step and a smile on your face!  Or, even though you have made this decision to hold on to God and let go of the world, you can turn your face away from God's goodness and miserably watch the worldly things going on that you have chosen not to participate in.  Let me also tell you, this makes you drag your feet and rapidly sucks away your joy.  What you are looking at determines your attitude which determines how your days are lived.  Where are you looking?

Never stop holding fast to your Strength and Song!

Tidbits for thought:

• Have you let go of your "idols" and grabbed hold of God?
• If so, are you standing firm with determination in your decision to hold fast to God amid bombarding temptations?
• Is your focus on all that  you have in God or on worldly things?  Consequently, how is your joy level because of your current choice?