When the Israelites finally settled in the promised land that is Canaan, Joshua bid farewell to the tribes that were to settle back in the Eastern side of the Jordan river.

In his parting words, Joshua told them:

To hold fast to God.

When I think of the phrase “holding fast,” I imagine a toddler who is waddling along while firmly holding onto the parents’ hands.

Jacob comes to mind as well. Jacob who wrestled God and held onto Him for his dear life. In great fear and distress, he was desperate to the point of saying, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

How about Moses? He pleaded for God’s mercy when he found the Israelites worshiping a golden calf (Exod. 32).

There’s also Job who was “blameless and upright” (Job 1:8) but lost nearly everything he cared for and loved. In the midst of his friends’ harsh and baseless accusations in speculating why such tragedy befell him, he sincerely petitioned God to deliver him from the unending suffering (Job 13).

Here’s the beauty of it all: in every one of these instances when people held fast to God, He heard them and listened.

Throughout the month of September, the Holy Spirit urged me to go to Jesus about everything: my thoughts, dreams, desires, feelings, doubts, and fears.

The Spirit told me Jesus is not only fully capable of holding all that I am but also wants me to work everything out with him.

I was reminded of the Word, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” In other words, because He cares for me, I shall cast all my worries unto Him. Not unto myself, the world, or the person next to me. But all to God first.

It sounds counterintuitive to toss things over the fence to God, but that’s what He asks of us. But why? Why would He want me to not worry?

When I prayed about the above, a few days later— I kid you not— a friend across the table on a prayer night passed me an envelope with my name “Jae” and “1 Thessalonians 5:16” on it and told me to go home and read it.

She told me God had a message for me.

Here’s what 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Eureka! It all made sense then.

God’s desire for us is no mystery: He wants us to be filled with joy, converse with Him always, and give Him the credit He deserves for all His goodness. And the truth of the matter is, worrying robs us of the ability to do so. We simply cannot worry and rejoice at the same time.

I’m still learning how to go to God faster with everything. Like conditioning myself to talk to God before I discuss anything with my dearest wife Mary. To talk to God before I act on an idea. Before I meet someone for coffee. When I start my day. When I feel happy, and especially when I feel discouraged.

When I hold fast to Him, He holds me ever so tightly, comforts me, and strengthens me.

And there, no matter where I am and what I’m doing, I know I’m home.

My Encouragement for You

What is your knee-jerk reaction to your thoughts, emotions, and battles?

My beloved, if not already, I encourage you to hold fast to Jesus.

Let the Prince of Peace give you rest, and let your cup overflow.

With love, Jae

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

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