Hold On Tight

These verses describe that safe place we all long for. They speak of strength and stability. They speak of protection and safety. They speak of an amazing haven of rest, peace and hope. How, as God’s children, do we get to this place?

As in a lot of David’s psalms, he pours out his heart to God in prayer. He often relates his fears and anguish, and sometimes, as in Psalm 13, cries out ‘How long must I wait?’ However, time and time again, and this scripture in Psalm 62 is no different, David holds fast to the truths of who God is and reminds himself, and the reader, of the character of God.

I remember the very first teaching I heard at my church. It was on Hebrews Chapter 3 and in particular verses 13 to 14; ‘But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end’. The teaching focussed on how much we need our brothers and sisters in Christ, if we are to hold fast to Jesus.

The illustration given was one that I have often thought about and will never forget. The speaker told how he was on a large inflatable ring which was being pulled by a speed boat on a lake. The inflatable ring had handles around the outside, and a group of friends were in the water, each holding on to two handles.

As the speed boat pulled them around the lake they needed to keep hold of the inflatable. But the speed boat would twist in all directions to try and get them to let go. They held on with all their might and encouraged one another by shouting, “Hold on tight!” As the teacher was telling this story, he was literally shouting across the church, “Hold on tight. Hold on tight”, as he held his Bible at arm’s length.

We may never have had to do this particular challenge, but when life throws us around, we can picture ourselves holding tight to the handles of an inflatable and being determined to not let go. We can remind ourselves of God’s character, as David did, and encourage one another to not let go.

Let us be clear what it is we are holding on to. Whilst the speedboat represents our everyday lives, the inflatable is, of course, Jesus, and the handles are His truths. In David’s words, we are holding on to God the mighty rock. We are holding on to God the fortress. We are holding on to God the hope of our salvation and we can find real shelter in that place.

As David says, let us not be shaken. Let us pour out our hearts to God today. Let us remember how big and strong our God is. Let us seek that amazing haven that David describes. All the while, as long as it is called today, let us encourage one another with these truths and not let go.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, today I come to You as I seek that rock and refuge in my life. I seek that safe place, the fortress of my loving Father. Help me to trust You with all my heart, even when I do not understand. When life throws me around, I do not want to let go of You. Show me how to hold on tight to Your truths and to Jesus. Help me to remember who You are. Help me to encourage others to hold fast to these truths. Amen.