It's OK to be Clingy

When it works, it really works. It even sticks!

When it doesn't work, it really doesn't work. It doesn’t stick, except maybe to itself.

When it does stick, it seals and secures to keep things fresh.  It protects from the air which can expedite spoiling and oxidation.  It prevents unwanted drying and prevents undesirable moisture absorption.  It also keeps odors contained.

When it sticks to itself, it’s normally almost impossible to separate.  It loses its usefulness and just gets mashed up into a ball and is relegated to the trash can.

We're talking cling wrap here.  It’s also known as plastic wrap and the likely most identifiable brand name is Saran Wrap.  It’s an item that you probably love or hate depending on whether it works or not.  When it works, it clings to all the right surfaces and does all the right things for food.  When it doesn’t work and it clings to itself, well that’s where the ball shape comes in and the relegation to the trash can!

The dictionary says that “cling” means to adhere closely; to stick to; to hold tight, to remain attached. 

Moving from the usage of “cling” as in cling wrap, “cling” could also mean to remain emotionally attached; to hold on; to resist separation; to remain faithful.

Here are some examples of how the word is used in the Scriptures:

“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  (Josh 22:5)

“But you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day.”  (Josh 23:8)

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”  (Ps 63:8)

Evidently “cling”, in Hebrew, means to adhere to.  It can also mean to catch by pursuit.  In some other verses, it is translated as abide, cleave, follow close, join together, overtake and pursue hard.

In the New Testament, specifically Romans 12:9, the word is translated as “hold fast”.  In some other verses, it is translated as to stick or hold together, to resist separation, to join, unite or embrace and its usage often implies dependence and need.

While using cling wrap has its ups and downs, when it works, it works well. It also gives an interesting, yet vivid picture, of how I should hold to, stick to and join together with God.

When cling wrap doesn’t work well and it clings to itself, there’s also an interesting, yet vivid picture, of me clinging to myself and being so wrapped up into myself that I’m unable to function as I should.

So, we are to cling to, unite with, stick to and hold fast to God.  We are to do this with all our heart and with all our soul.  After all, we need Him and are so dependent on Him. 

As one writer put it, “get close, hold on and NEVER let go!”