Learning to Cling

Scripture:  Deuteronomy13:4 (NASB) - You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.    

One of my favorite comedians, David Adkins, a.k.a. “Sinbad,” once quipped to the single people in his audience, ‘Learn to be by yourself sometimes!’  He was urging the “unmarrieds” to appreciate the inherent upside of enjoying one’s own company, as opposed to always needing a crowd in order to feel happy.  While remaining sensitive to the numerous and profound challenges that accompany this lingering viral presence, I’d like to say that it presents a great opportunity to cultivate the discipline of practicing, even CLINGING to, our Lord’s presence.  Although we don’t need to be alone to recognize the blessedness of sparse human company, it’s a life reality that few souls willingly embrace.

The unique blessedness of clinging to our Lord is commended in Deuteronomy 30:20, where “holding fast” (i.e., clinging) to Him is tightly associated with loving and obeying our God, which in turn results in the experience of true life, or a greatly enhanced quality of the same.  To what other person on this earth can any of us go with a realization that we are always welcome in their presence, and for an indeterminate amount of time?  People can grow weary of one another’s company.  There’s even a secular saying that “familiarity breeds contempt,” but not so with Jesus!  He, who came into this world-- subjecting Himself to a cruel death on Calvary’s cross, followed by His glorious resurrection, made us for HIMSELF!  Think of it!

Our Lord urges us to draw near to Him and to require Him (of a necessity) in all sixty-six books of the Bible—His Holy Word!  Check out Psalm 63:8:  “My soul CLINGS to You; Your right hand upholds me.”  Who in their right mind would knowingly shrink away from being upheld, sustained, come what may, by the omnipotent and sovereign God of the universe?  The next time you find yourself tempted in a negative way by feelings of alone-ness, or loneliness, (if you prefer), meditate on these realities.  You cannot wear out your welcome in Jesus’ company!  Read His word out loud!  Pray it up to Him!  Begin a journal about verses that spoke to your heart!  Call up a friend and encourage their heart—talk for just five minutes!  Get out of yourself!  (You get the idea).

Prayer:  Precious Lord, what a Friend indeed we have in Jesus; all our sins and griefs to bear!  Thank You for Your awesome Spirit’s indwelling, the unending fellowship, comfort, consolation, and even convictions we are blessed to receive whenever we open Your Word!  Your name be praised!  Amen!

By Denise Diggs