He Will Hold Me Fast

Good Morning! 

The storms of the early morning gave way to a beautiful Spring day yesterday.  I hope you were able to make good use of the day … getting out from the confines of your house into the fresh air. If not yesterday … do so today.  Take a look at the flowers, the budding trees, and the green, green grass.  It will do your heart good … I promise.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Helenfbc.com, I encourage you to take a few moments to view Resurrection Sunday’s service (04/12/2020).  If you are limited in time, scroll forward to the end … the song after the preaching service … to hear a song of trust in this time of crisis.  The song’s title is “He Will Hold Me Fast”.  The lyric reads:

He Will Hold Me Fast"

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
'Til our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast

This song of faith and devotion is not that new.  In fact, its composer, Robert Harkness, lived from 1880-1961 and published the song in 1907.  The lyrics came from a compilation of words by Ada Habersohn given to him at earlier times in their collaborations in hymn writings.  Like many of our hymns of faith, modern tastes in music often lays them aside … only to be rediscovered by groups like the Gettys and Selah. 

Jude, in his general letter to the Church Universal, writes:

Jude 17-25 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Call to Persevere

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They[a] said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment[b] stained by the flesh.

Doxology

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time[c] and now and forever. Amen.

Footnotes:

a.     Jude 1:18 Or Christ, because they

b.     Jude 1:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

c.     Jude 1:25 Or before any age

These words of hope and trust remind us that, while we may be separated from one another, we are never alone … for Christ Jesus is able to hold each one of us close to Himself.  The very thought brings tears of gratitude to my eyes.  

He will hold me fast … for my Savior loves me so … He will hold me fast. 

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, thank You for the words written so many years ago that remind us that You love us so much and will hold each one of us fast in this time of crisis.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Jude 1