Cling to the Lord

but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. Joshua 23:8

Joshua is old and advanced in age, and he knows the end is coming, so he gives one last speech to the nation of Israel. He reminds Israel that all they have is from the Lord. He was faithful and drove their enemies from the land that He promised them. Joshua told the congregation that they Lord would continue to drive out their enemies, but there was a warning. The Israelite nation needed to follow what was written in the Book of the Law of Moses, and they needed to restrain from following any other gods. The consequences of not doing so would lead to God withdrawing His protections and their eventual defeat. Joshua stressed that it was most important that they held fast to the Lord as they had been doing and their nation would remain strong.

Just like the Israelites, Christians need to hold fast to God. Hebrews 10:23 states: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." This includes maintaining a steadfast relationship with God, following His teachings, and relying on His grace and truth. This is important for maintaining our spiritual health and success because we are going to have trials in this life. Jesus promised that. When we go through those trials, we need to cling to the Lord and know that He will get us through them. It is our faith through fire that the rest of the world will see.

Choose to cling to your Savior, Jesus. Faithfully follow his teaching and arm yourself with daily prayer, bible reading, and fellowship with other Christians, so that in the day of your trials, you will be able to withstand it. Let people know how Jesus is your strength and fights your battles for you. Tell how Jesus has brought you through your trials. Your faith through fires may bring someone to Jesus.