Clinging

May no persuasion convince you to let go.

I know exactly how one of us can become a millionaire!

The first person who develops a surefire way to quickly open the plastic baggies the grocery store provides on those rolls in the produce department will make it big in this life. We frustrated shoppers have spent way too much time, surrounded by juicy tomatoes and just ripe avocados, waiting to be chosen, while we grab those bags and blow on them, pull on them, rub them together, and say mean things to them, to no avail. They cling together like glitter on my dining room table after craft day with the grandkids. You solve this problem and your life is all set.

I was thinking about this recently when I read Psalm 63. David, the author of this Psalm, is in the wilderness where he has had to flee to escape Absalom, his own son who was intent on destroying him. David is calling out to his God, confessing his need for God’s presence and protection. He is confessing his trust in his God as he remembers His faithfulness.

Remember, David is in the wilderness, a desert in Judah. He likely has a scarce supply of water or food. The hot sun is drying out his flesh. He is probably sleeping on the uncomfortable ground. No air mattresses or camp cots available. There are wild animals about. And he and his men must be ever vigilant in case Absalom discovers where they are hiding.

I would say he is not having a good day. We find the basis of David’s response to this dilemma in verse eight.

“My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me.”

Wow. Merriam-Webster’s definitions of the word cling include: to adhere as if glued firmly or to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously (not easily pulled apart).

When I think about it, I have to say I have done some pretty good clinging in my life. I have clung to my plans, my ideas, my agenda, my dreams and my traditions. I have clung to the notion that it is ultra-important to get my own way. I have clung to being right. I have clung to my pride. I have clung to my own resourcefulness. Admittedly, when it comes to training my soul to cling to my God in all circumstances, my performance might be less than stellar.

Maybe I’m being too hard on myself. I do trust my God. I do. I know He is my only hope in whatever situation I face. I know by experience He will come to my rescue.

When it comes to clinging, I have to ask myself some piercing questions. Are my first morning thoughts of Him? Do I praise Him in my daylong reflections? Is His approval sought before I look for man’s approval? Is His name the first call I make when I need help? Do I stop praying because I am weary of asking and it is taking too long? Am I adhered to Him so firmly that no sin can get between Him and me?

The second part of verse 3 should give us comfort as we ponder those questions.

“Thy right hand upholds me.”

Yes, our God knows us intimately. He knows our intentions and our motivations. He knows our weaknesses and failings. He knows that we cannot conquer clinging, or many other things, without His intervention. He is with us. He is for us. He is helping us every step of the way. He holds us up. He supports us. He supplies the strength we need to overcome. He is our security.

In the King James Bible, verse 3 reads:

“My soul followeth hard after thee.”

I really like that translation. Do the hard thing. Take the next step. Keep on keeping on even when it is tough to do so. God won’t let you go.

I remember when my granddaughter, Felicity, was about six months old. We tried to set her down in the grass in my backyard to take some photos. She did not like the feel of that grass. She clung to my arms with a vise-like grip. Her little hands were super glue. No persuasion would convince her to let go.

What a great picture of David’s soul clinging to the One he knew would save him in the face of impending peril.

Are you in a difficult place today? Are you facing something hard? Are you feeling lonely or forgotten? Reach for God, and don’t let go. His arm is not too short. His love will infiltrate the most impossible circumstances. I’m praying for you.

We may never solve the quandary of the clingy produce bag. If you have an idea, let me know. I bet I know what you will be thinking about the next time you grab a baggie for a couple of Fuji apples!