Monday, June 26
Stand firm and hold on!
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
Observation
The Thessalonian Christians were facing persecution. In this simple sentence, Paul gives the antidote: stand firm and hold on to what you were taught. The “traditions” refer to the content of Paul’s teaching that they received in person (by speech) and in letters. The core of the traditions is the gospel of Jesus, and then the content that supports living the Christian life.
Application
Stand firm and hold on!
It’s good advice when you’re living in a swiftly changing world or in the middle of tumult. When you feel the ground shifting under your feet, here is solid ground to stand on: the traditions or teachings of the apostles—the gospel of Jesus. Correct back to Jesus.
I’ve given this advice to a married person whose spouse is straying: stand firm and hold on. Be the anchor—the steady one to whom the other can return.
I’ve given this advice to parents of teens: stand firm and hold on. The chances are that the turmoil will calm and they will even out.
And it’s a good word for me right now. In the midst of upheaval and change, stand firm and hold on.
Prayer: I love you, Lord, and I’m thankful to know that You are sustaining us in the midst of turmoil. You are good and I’m leaning into You—standing firm and holding on!
More: Ecclesiastes 11-12, Psalm 75, 1 Timothy 6
Thank you for sharing the reflections of your SOAP time with the Lord. The visual or word picture it created in my mind was very much that of an “anchor” on the water floor deep below the surface &/or any potential storms or conflict above. It also brought to mind in agreement “taking hold of the hope set before us”–Jesus Christ, “hope as an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:18-20).