Commentary

Curiously, George Herbert has a habit of creating strong images in his titles which rarely appear in the main body of his works. In 'The Holdfast' we will not find a Holdfast. But what is it? Perhaps something he might have seen in a carpenter’s or artisan’s workshop; a simple clamping devise, used on bench tops. A holdfast is often shaped like a shepherd’s hook.

In this sonnet, Herbert despairs of ever fulfilling all of God’s commandments; an impossible and hopeless task for anyone. But God already knows this. He knows everything about our human condition because everything comes from Him but, whatever inner conflicts and struggles we have, He will always understand us and be on our side.

So, Herbert resolves to put all his trust and faith in God because only God can give us secure love, hope, faith and salvation. We have no claim to creating these gifts within ourselves; such gifts are from God alone and if we put our trust in Him, He will never fail us. He will always keep his promises and He will always be our light. “Then will I trust, said I, in Him alone”.

All we need to do is let go and put our total faith in Him; hold on to it tightly and firmly; hold it fast.