Hold fast.

Eight weeks ago, I read these two words in Melissa’s post.

Two days later, my one-year Bible reading brought me to Hebrews 4.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our confession.

One again, “hold fast” jumped right off the page and into my heart.   I wrote it down in my journal.  I wanted to remember.

Just four sleeps and a wake up later, our world imploded with crushing news.  The last two months we’ve sailed stormy seas.

Through it all, I’ve tried to stay anchored firmly to Him.  I am holding fast to His promises.

I’ve learned that 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 verse 14 again 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.

As we start 2014, 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.

Something to think about…