Otters know all about the dangers of the deep. Menacing creatures lurk in the sea; treacherous tides and swells threaten to sweep them out into the ocean.

In the cutest of solutions, they mitigate the risks by holding hands while sleeping, eating, and playing. At night, otters will intentionally wrap themselves in kelp for anchorage.

You see otters know about holding fast to what is important. They know about the dangers of drifting when you’re not fully alert or awake. It begs the questions: What are you holding fast to? What are you tethered to?

The bible gives us “strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” “We… have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline…” (Hebrews 6:18-20 ESV & MSG).

Our hope is Jesus. The truth of his love allows us to stay rooted. Deuteronomy calls us to tangle ourselves in it: to write the truth on our hearts, to talk about truth, to teach truth to our children so they are held fast too.

We live in a dangerous world. A world with treacherous tides. Tides and distractions ready to subtly pull you away from the hope you’re holding onto, to ever so slowly siphon you from that which you hold dear. Sleeping, eating, playing… it is all too easy to drift away when you’re sidetracked and not holding tight to the things that matter.

If you’re feeling a little lost at sea then don’t fear, it’s not too late to reach out and grab some kelp. You are not alone. God is with you, He is strong and mighty to save. He’s got you. He will “hold you safe” in his hands (Isaiah 41:10 NIRV).

Tether yourself to that truth.