Hold fast occurs 6 times in Deuteronomy and Joshua. It means to cling, to cleave, to stay, follow closely, or to join to.  It also means to adhere firmly as if with glue.  I think you get the picture.  It is something Israel was to do.  They were to be glued to the Lord God.

But how were they to do this? The last words of Moses and Joshua hold the key.  I love that they mirror each other:

Moses: {Deuteronomy 30:20} “…that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Joshua: {Joshua 22:5}  “But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to holdfast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”

• Israel was to love The Lord, God.
• They were to listen and obey the commandments.
• They were to keep the law.
• And they were to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Moses tells them holding fast was not too hard for them or out of their reach. They could do do it {Deut. 30:11}. Joshua reminds them God had already fulfilled every promise.  {Josh. 21:45}.  How could they not cling to Him?

But they did not. They did evil in the sight of the Lord.  They chose to go their own way. They chased after other puny gods. They asked for a human king. They did not stick like glue.

Does it break your heart like it does mine? I want to yell through time and Scripture at them and say, “Hey, you! Hold fast! This other way is not going to go so well!” But if they wouldn’t listen to Moses or Joshua or all the others, they would certainly not listen to me.

I realize in my heart, if I’m honest, I am no different. And that is a little hurtful to admit.  I often choose to go my own way. I chase after my puny gods — chocolate, self pity, and escape. I seek out relief from others before I go to my heavenly King. I unglue myself often.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord.  Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect and all his way are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong upright and just is he.  Deut 32:3,4 Song of Moses

Worship leads me right back to Him. And the truth is,He never unglued Himself from me at all.  I’m so grateful to live on this side of grace. Blessed to read the account of what it took to get us all here.

Praying for you friend.  To hold fast. Would you do the same for me?