Clinging to God
The Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around the saying of the prophet David: “But it is good for me to cling to the Lord,” affirming that the greatest good for a person is to abide in God and be united with Him, not merely to approach Him. Clinging to God is the source of true fulfillment, peace, and lasting joy, and it is the path to eternal life.
The Love of God Above Every Love
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the prophet David, despite his kingdom, glory, and all he possessed, found nothing that filled his heart except God. Likewise, Solomon the wise, after attaining all the pleasures of the world, realized that everything is vanity and grasping at the wind. Every earthly love fades, but the love of God alone satisfies the heart.
Lessons from the Holy Scripture
The lecture presents examples of those who departed from God such as Lot and his wife, Demas, and Samson, and how their attachment to the world led them to spiritual loss. In contrast, those who clung to God such as Saint Anthony and Saint Pachomius became lights in the world because they chose God as their treasure.
From Clinging to Indwelling
In the New Testament, the concept rises from mere clinging to divine indwelling, as the Lord says: “Abide in Me, and I in you.” The believer does not only remain close to God, but becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit, and Christ lives in him, as the apostle Paul said: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Steadfastness Amid Tribulations
The lecture affirms that the way of God may include tribulations and trials, but they are tests that lead to glory. God does not abandon His children but grants them His grace to overcome the world, turning pain into blessing and spiritual growth.
The True Joy
Clinging to God grants a person deep inner joy and confidence in God’s promises and care. Whoever tastes the sweetness of the Lord longs to lead others to Him, because whoever finds the true treasure cannot keep it to himself.
A Call to Perseverance
Love for God is not a temporary relationship, but a continual steadfastness until the end of life. A good beginning needs perseverance, so that a person may not lose what he gained in the Spirit. The call is to abide in God and long for Him day after day, preparing ourselves for true spiritual joy in our life with Him.
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