Holding On

I like holding on to things I enjoy or that have special significance to my life. I wanted to hold on to my kids, but they grew up and moved on with their own lives.  Letting go is hard to do sometimes. We recently had our first freezing frost and I wanted to hold on to my flowers. They still had beautiful blooms!  So, I cut a couple bunches to “hold on” to. But of course, I had to let go of them, too. They faded, withered, and lost their beauty.

I hold on to some items from my home place, things my parents used and a few things from my grandparents. I also have letters from years ago. Most likely, some I should let go.

I am learning as I get older to get rid of some things. Books are finding new homes. Goodwill has gained a few dishes from my cupboards. And a few things are trashed. I find myself cleaning out areas of my house from time to time.

Some things should be held tightly but we should loosen our grip on other things.  I find myself wasting too much time on things like Facebook. Taking a walk is more beneficial. I’m not against social media. Sometimes I can keep up with distant friends that way. So, it takes discipline to limit my time there. And, of course, my dog helps me hold on to my daily walks.

Joshua, in the Old Testament, exhorted the Israelites to “hold fast” to the Lord and serve Him with all their heart and soul. Jesus taught us to abide in Him as branches attached to the vine. We cannot bear fruit apart from Jesus, the Vine. Hold on. The writer of Hebrews says, “let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14b). That’s our faith in Jesus, our Great High Priest! Jesus, The Word!

We live in a selfie world today. Too often everything is about me. Jesus didn’t say we could bear fruit for Him by living separating from the Vine. He said, “Abide in me” (John 15).  It’s hard to hold on to selfish ambitions and hold on to Jesus at the same time. We all have demands on our time, but if we are not spending time with the Lord in prayer and reading His Word, we will lack the fruit of the Spirit God wants to grow in our lives. So, if we hold on to nothing else, let us hold on to God and His Word.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and even more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 23-25).

It seems evil is everywhere and we are in a spiritual battle. We know God is the Champion and we can trust Him through all our battles.  Hold on!