Hold on and await the salvation of God

Holding patterns! Who likes them? Practically no one likes a holding pattern. Most don’t like being put on hold while on the phone. Even if there is tranquil background music, being on hold is nothing you look forward to. How about the infamous occasion when you are in a holding pattern whilst on the airplane?

 I am more than sure that no one enters a plane in expectation or hope that they will experience a holding pattern. 

Have you ever experienced a flight that went into a holding pattern? You did not desire it and yet you had to go through it. 

Jump ship

There was no way you could “jump ship”, and it would make little to no sense to complain to the airline stewardess or to the pilot of the flight. No, you must trust that the current holding pattern is a needful one, based on the intelligence, safety and care of those who have committed to safely getting you to your destination. 

A holding pattern is usually enforced as a result of adverse weather conditions or as a result of things that may be happening on the ground level. 

In essence, the holding pattern will actually hold you safe until the time you can progress to your destination. Therefore, although it can be nerve-wracking, appreciate that the holding pattern is for your own good. 

1 Chronicles 11:15-17

15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim. 

16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines’ garrison was then at Bethlehem. 

17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate! 

Here are a few things to consider when you feel you are in a hold:

1. Why are you there?

2. Who are you with?

3. What will you do?

Battle

In the text, there was a battle going on. Unfortunately, David’s men found themselves at a distinct disadvantage. 

No longer were they on familiar grounds; their enemies had possession of what belonged to them. 

A few of the captains make their way to David. David was in a hold, a cave. One might think that David was in a defeated place. Yet, you must understand that even when you are in a cave-like situation, if you are in relationship with God, that holding place is for your own good. 

Sometimes in life, when you look at your enemies, it looks like they are doing better than you are. 

Sometimes it even seems like they have what you should have. During that time you must understand that what God has for you, is for you. Even if the enemy has your stuff, God will see to it that you get your stuff back. 

David’s enemy had his stuff. They had possession of Bethlehem, “The House of Bread”. They had the place that sustained their life. 

What did David do? David let it be known that their situation was at the place that only God could deal with it. David’s focus and passion was to God. Only God could handle that situation. 

David did not desire to escape the hold. He did not desire that his enemy should be killed. David did not desire that his men would go and fight with him. No, David longed for the water of the well at Bethlehem. In other words, David only desired the things that God had established belonged to David and his people. David’s focus, while in trouble, was for God to return to him what was legitimately his. It would be up to God as to how He would work things out for good. 

Everyone will experience holding patterns or times when life has you at a standstill. During that time, you must stand still and see or await the salvation of God. God will see you out, and God will make you victorious after you have been on hold. Hold on! Your help is on the way! RESPICE FINEM.