Do you ever feel like a small ship adrift on a stormy sea?  How do you stay afloat when the waves relentlessly come crashing down over and over again?

On a ship “hold fast” implies that rigging is tied securely.  During inclement weather, sailors would actually wrap themselves in the lines to help maintain their grasp.   Seamen often tattooed this phrase on their knuckles as a reminder.  With this information in mind, I had to smile when I read Hebrews 4:14 in The Message:

Now that we know what we have—
Jesus, this great High Priest
with ready access to God—
let’s not let it slip through our fingers.

This sailor is securing herself to Her Savior.

May He tattoo these two words on my heart:  Hold fast.

I know He specializes in stormy seas, and He won’t let me slip through His mighty fingers.

How do you hold fast during hard times? Let’s dig deep and discover the secret for the next 31 days….

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DAY ONE — CLIFFHANGER

Years ago on a fun Friday night, I gathered with a group of friends on a cozy couch for a movie night.  The suspenseful flick began with a rescue mission.  Two mountain rangers put their lives on the line to save a wounded friend who was stranded on a dangerous precipice.  My heart rate increased significantly as the security line that harnessed the female character suddenly snapped.  In a second, the tides turned, and the rescuer herself hung precariously over a chasm in grave danger.  The movie was titled “Cliffhanger,”  and Sylvester Stallone reached out his brawny arm with extended hand toward his partner.  I’d seen Rambo save the day in so many movies before that I was completely caught off guard when the woman’s fingers slipped out of his grasp.

Honestly,  I wanted to turn the movie off at that point.

I must admit that sometimes life kicks me in the gut and makes my heart race just as if I am the star of my own personal cliffhanger.

Have you ever been there?  Your secure foothold on life crumbles around you, and you are left dangling over a dark chasm of affliction.

Here is the thing I need to remember.  God is the hero of my story.  His mighty arm is holding me fast.   He will not let me go.  He will give me a firm place to stand.   He’s promised me a heavenly happy ending.

Who stood up for me against the wicked?

Who took my side against evil workers?

If God hadn’t been there for me,

I never would have made it.

The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”

Your love, God, took hold and held me fast.

When I was upset and beside myself,

You calmed me down and cheered me up.

Psalms 94:16-19, MSG

I’m joining The Nester and friends for #write31days and sharing “Cliffhanger” with like-minded sisters at Coffee for Your Heart, Tell His Story, The Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Photo Friday, Faith-Filled Friday, Essential Fridays, and Thriving Thursday.

To see all of the posts in this series, head on over here.