The dictionary definition of hold fast is "remain tightly secured". The first time I heard that term I read it in the Bible and I was confused. Hold seems static to me, motionless, whereas, fast is obviously motion. It took me a while to think it through and realize that the phrase is telling me that if the status of hold was compromised, I should secure that status quickly, immediately...fast. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to hold fast the confession of our hope,
1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to hold fast to that which is good.
Did you ever participate in a tug of war competition? There you are holding on to your piece of rope trying to resist being pulled over the line in defeat while at the same time trying to pull the opposing team across for the win. I was on a championship team once. Our strategy was simple, at the gun, dig in our heals and resist until you feel the rope slack a little, then start pulling for all you are worth as fast as you can. Let me repeat. As fast as you can. In other words, be aware of the rope and the hold you have on it and when you feel a change in that rope then dig in or pull fast. Not in a little while. NOW!!
What kind of rope are you holding on to? Trying to stay on schedule? Keeping in shape? A good marriage? Overcoming an addiction? Growing your faith in God?
Regardless of what it is, it will only remain tightly secure if you diligently pay attention to it and act fast when there is a slight change. We all know guys that are messed up and say they don't know how they got in the mess. Well, none of us walk up to a mess and jump in, it all happens a little at a time when we fail to hold fast.
Average Guy Ministries is here to help you overcome that which is tugging against you. Stay tuned for more blogs and check out my post, "Escaping the Tractor Beam of Strongholds" or send us an email. Let's all hold fast together.