Israel’s journey in the wilderness was not just a tale of murmurings and complaints, Moses took time to commend Israel for her steadfastness in the wilderness. He said to them, “But you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today, every one of you.” (Deuteronomy 4:4 NKJV).
In life, many things try to sway us away from God, but we must stay firm and cling to God. It is encouraging to note that after many years in the wilderness, Moses testified that some children of Israel still held fast to the Lord. Those of them who held fast to the Lord was kept alive by God.
What does it mean to hold fast to the Lord? It means to be steadfast. Steadfastness also means to be Loyal. Committed. Devoted. Solid. Constant.
Ruth is a symbol of loyalty. When Naomi lost all that should have made her proud, her spouse and sons, she advised her two daughters-in-law to return to their homes since she had nothing more to offer to them. Orpah kissed Naomi and left, while Ruth stuck to Naomi and would not leave her. Her resolute stand gave rise to this signature statement, “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me” (Ruth 1:16-17 NKJV).
Joshua and Caleb were two people known for their allegiance to God. When matters came to a head, both men sided with God. They said, “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.” (Numbers 14:8-10 NKJV).
King Hezekiah demonstrates what it means to hold fast to God. He trusted in God and clung to him. He succeeded as a king because of his steadfastness with God. “For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses.” (II Kings 18:6 NKJV). Holding fast to God requires obedience to his commandments.
How do we in practical terms hold fast to God? Those who are steadfast with God have conviction. Hebrews 10:23 states, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Those who hold fast to God obey him at all cost (Daniel 3:8-25).
True believers hold tenaciously to the word of God. The word of God is the visible expression of God around which we affirm our faith (Dt. 32:46-47; I Corinthians 15:1-2 NKJV).
Men of faith are steadfast with God. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13 NKJV).
Those who hold fast to God trust him (Jeremiah 17:7-8; 39:15-18).
Those who hold fast to God love him (Deut.10:12-21).
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