April 13, 2018

HOLDING ON TO GOD

Sirach 2:1-6

My son, if you draw near to serve the Lord,
Prepare your soul for temptation.
Set your heart right and be steadfast,
And do not strive anxiously in distress.
Cleave to Him and do not fall away,
That you may be honored at the end of your life.
Accept whatever is brought upon you,
And in exchange for your humiliation, be patient;
Because gold is tested in fire
And acceptable men in the furnace of abasement.
Believe in Him, and He will help you;
Make your ways straight and hope in Him.
And acceptable men in the furnace of abasement.
Believe in Him, and He will help you;
Make your ways straight and hope in Him.

Personal challenge

Sirach is reminding us that if our desire is to draw near to our Lord and serve Him, then temptations will come our way to try to prevent us from doing that. We must remain diligent and shore up our own heart for the onslaught. Part of our dealing with this is holding on to Him even tighter. Another part is accepting the struggles that come our way for what they are and continue to press forward. He will be there along the way to help us. Glory be to God!