Lord I'm holding on to You
Jesus
Closer and closer to You
And with all that I am
And in everything I do
I'm holding on to You
Called into Your presence
You're calling my name
In loving You and serving You
I'm transformed and changed
Reflecting Your glory
The image of God
So I'm holding on...
Whole Heart (Hold Me Now) [Live] - Hillsong UNITED
Holding On Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
This song, titled "Holding On," centers on a deep personal commitment to maintain a close connection with Jesus. The opening lines immediately establish a posture of seeking proximity, declaring a desire to be "closer and closer to You." This is coupled with a declaration of complete dedication, encompassing "all that I am" and "everything I do," signifying that this commitment is not just emotional but involves one's entire being and actions. It reflects a conscious decision to actively remain in relationship with the divine.
The lyrics move to acknowledge God's initiative in this relationship, mentioning being "Called into Your presence" and hearing God "calling my name." This highlights the responsive nature of faith, where human commitment is a response to a divine invitation. The song posits that actively engaging in "loving You and serving You" is the pathway to personal transformation. This service and love are presented not just as duties but as catalysts for inner change, resulting in the individual being "transformed and changed."
This transformation culminates in reflecting the divine. The phrase "Reflecting Your glory, The image of God" indicates that the result of clinging to God, responding to His call, and being transformed through love and service is a life that mirrors God's nature and splendor. It speaks to the restoration of the human being to their intended state, bearing the divine likeness. The song concludes by reaffirming the central theme, reiterating the declaration of "holding on" as the foundation for this entire process of relationship, transformation, and reflection.
Themes present in the lyrics resonate with various biblical passages. The concept of "holding on" or clinging to God is found in verses like Deuteronomy 10:20 and Joshua 23:8, urging faithfulness and adherence to the Lord. The desire for closeness echoes James 4:8, which encourages drawing near to God. The idea of complete dedication in "all that I am" and "everything I do" aligns with Colossians 3:17, instructing believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and Romans 12:1, presenting oneself as a living sacrifice. The transformative aspect through relationship and service connects with Romans 12:2, speaking of being transformed by the renewal of the mind, and 2 Corinthians 5:17, describing a new creation in Christ. Finally, reflecting God's glory and image directly relates to 2 Corinthians 3:18, about being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, and the creation account in Genesis 1:27, stating that humanity was created in God's image.