He Will Hold Me Fast
A number of weeks ago, I attended a church service—not my home church, but one where I have many close friends.
As the congregation began to sing the powerful hymn “He Will Hold Me Fast,” I found myself quietly observing the people around me.
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
My eyes landed on a dear friend, sitting next to an empty chair. That chair was empty because his wife passed away just a few months ago. He’s also walking through his own battle with Parkinson’s. Yet there he was, singing aloud with every ounce of strength he had:
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
Then I noticed one of the pastors singing with quiet resolve. He and his wife have walked a long road marked by heartbreak—the loss of their son, far too young. Through sorrow and perseverance, they’ve remained faithful. And that morning, he sang with deep conviction: “He will hold me fast.”
Right beside me stood my brother-in-law. His heart still aches from the loss of his wife—my sister—who passed away a few years ago. He carries a longing to be in heaven, to be reunited with her one day. God will hold him fast.
In just a few glances across the room, I was reminded of something profound—everyone is carrying something. Grief. Illness. Longing. Pain. This world is deeply broken. But in the middle of it all, there was one voice we all raised together—not because we are strong, but because we know we’re not.
I could never keep my hold…
Through life’s fearful path,
For my love is often cold,
He must hold me fast.
And He will.
In a moment of quiet observation during a moving church service, Jerry reflects on the shared grief, trials, and hope woven throughout the lives of believers. Centered around the hymn “He Will Hold Me Fast,” it tells stories of loss, perseverance, and the deep comfort found in Christ’s unshakable hold on us—especially when our strength fails. A reminder that behind every face is a story of pain and a Savior who sustains.