Hold Fast To What Is Good

19 September 2009

"Hold fast what is good"
-1 Thessalonians 5:21-

A number of years ago I decided to go to the Victoria Bridge in Riverside, stand at its edge, and jump off. I was a little hesitant at first as fear began to creep in on me. In the end, I had a great time! You should have seen me. I did a beautiful swan dive. Even though the drop was a good 100 feet, the landing was actually quite soft. I would have rated myself a 9.75 in artistic form and grace. However, the bystanders watching from nearby probably rated me 10.0 in stupidity.

Prior to jumping I began thinking to myself, “Why am I jumping off this perfectly good bridge? I'm not bored with life. I don't have a death wish. I don't think I'm going through my second childhood. My wife and I are doing well. The kids are all ok. Why do I want to jump?” I'll tell you why I jumped. Because I like it! Isn't that the most ridiculous reason you ever heard.

Ok, so I really didn't free fall off the bridge. You think I’m crazy! But I did repel off the bridge using a lifeline. I was on the Riverside Fire Department at the time, and our search and rescue team was doing some repel practicing. We had to practice again and again in order to become efficient in the art of repelling.

One doesn’t just put a rope around them self, tie a granny knot in it and then take the plunge. No way! One needs to always make certain that he is ready to jump before he jumps. Here’s what I mean. Before I would ever step off the side of the bridge to begin my descent, I always made sure that my harness was secure, my lifeline properly fastened and strong enough to hold my weight. And oh yes, long enough to get me to the solid ground below.

Only when I was secured was I then ready to take the plunge.

When I began my rappelling I always made sure that I not only had the lifeline fastened to myself, but that I also had myself fastened to the lifeline. If I didn't I would lose my hold, and the end result would not be to my advantage.

My point is this. As God's children there will be times when we feel like we've just taken a plunge off the side of a bridge, and are heading for a hard and fast descent. What are we to do? We’re to "Hold fast what is good." We need to hold on to our lifeline. God says, "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand. Saying to you, Fear not, I will help you" (Isaiah 41:13).

When you feel as if your spiritual walk is descending rapidly, remember that God is there, and His hand will save you as you grab it and hold onto it. Let Him be your lifeline. When He's fastened to you and you're fastened to Him, you have nothing to fear. He'll set you on that solid ground, He’ll refresh you, and then help you begin your ascent once again as you—“Hold fast what is good.”

Hang on and enjoy your jump,



Chaplain Steve