Clinging and Cleaving

As I meditated on the word this morning, the above two words jumped out at me. Clinging and cleaving. Are there things in my life that I am clinging and cleaving to besides the Lord? Desires that consume me? Idols that draw me away from Him and time in His presence? The story of Ruth, and her commitment to her mother in law came to mind. Ruth and Orpah were sisters from Moab whose husbands had died. Naomi’s husband had died as well. Moab was known for its idolatry. When Ruth saw the vanity of the gods of Moab, she resolved with a firm commitment to follow and worship the one true God, the maker of Heaven and Earth. See her words below in the following scripture passage. 

Naomi said, “Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also tonight, and should also bear sons; Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? Nay, my daughters; for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.” And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth CLAVE unto her. (Ruth 1:11-14)

“Oh Heavenly Father, let my heart cling to yours alone all the days of my life!” 

Other scriptures came to mind, 

“For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me, says the Lord, that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.” (Jeremiah 13:11 )

“Heavenly Father, help us your people to hear, and obey you!” 

“…the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would CLEAVE unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:21-23) 

Keep us, Lord, oh, keep us cleaving

To Thyself and still believing,

Till the hour of our receiving

Promised joys with Thee. (Thomas Kelly)