"Hang In There; Bad Habit but Good Theology!"



"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin." (Psalm 51)

Confession time: I mean well, but I have a bad habit. People come for spiritual guidance. try to listen carefully and then prayerfully offer sound practical and Biblical advice. But at one point during the session I will inevitably blurt out to someone… “Hang in there!”

A couple with marital problem.. "Hang in there? What is that supposed to mean?"

An alcoholic struggling with addiction..."Hang in there? Is he/she really listening to me?"

A friend just told me she has cancer.."Hang in there? Does she think I'm a bat or what?"
Our soldiers are fighting a war with terrorists.. "Hang in there? Have you lost your mind?"
Hahahaaaa!
People, who come looking for hope during a time of crisis, instead receive a canned answer... "Hang in there!" They could watch a talk show and get better advice. I have a tendency to say, "Hang in there," when my brain is on automatic pilot. To someone else it could be interpreted: "I don't care enough about you to give a more meaningful answer, so 'hang in there!" Ouch! I am so sorry, Lord!

"Have mercy on me God..."I confess my shortcomings to you, Lord. Help me become a better listener. Help me to more thoughtfully and prayerfully answer the deep concerns of others. "…purify me from my sin.” Confession and a desire to change is part of what being a Christian is all about.

What do we really mean when we say, "Hang in there?

I thought you would never ask. The Bible calls it among other things: Persistence.

Romans 2:7 - He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good...

Ephesians 6:10 & 18 - Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm...Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers....

Matthew 24:13-14 - But those who endure to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world...
First: If you will persist in doing what is good… Be strong… Stay alert.. Be persistent in your prayers... But those who endure… In other words'God understands your trouble, your disappointments and pain. You are not alone. "Be persistent!"

Second: There is a promise of reward for persistence. He will give eternal life.. you will be able to stand firm... you will be saved.. the Good News will be preached throughout the world... God's assurance for persistence amidst the obstacles is eternal life and a heavenly reward.

Have you heard the story about an old mule that fell into a dry well? The farmer didn't think the mule or the dry well was worth saving. So" he decided to bury the mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the poor old mule was in a panic! But as the shovelfuls of dirt struck his back...the mule began to... "shake it off and step up!" Each time the dirt hit he would shake it off and step up. It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, shook off that last shovel full of dirt and stepped triumphantly out of the well!

What seemed to bury the old donkey, actually blessed him...all because of his persistence amidst the dirt. He was able to "shake it off and step up!" Maybe this is what it really means to "hang in there." If we endure despite our difficulties and refuse to allow panic, bitterness, or self-pity control us... The obstacles that appear to bury us could actually become part of God's richest blessings!

This is especially true during today's uncertain and dangerous times. Yet God consistently promises that if we persist, be strong and endure through our trials, we will be able to stand firm. It may be a bad habit, but it is certainly sound theology when I sincerely say to you.."hang in there!"

Your humble servant,
A S. K



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