365 Days of the Great Names of God, Day 77: Keeper

Keeper

"The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:7,8 NIV)

We've already visited God as the Covenant Keeper on our journey, but today we have a chance to view Him as our Keeper from a different vantage point. 

"Keeper" reinforces several other names of God we've previously unwrapped: Stronghold, Fortress, Hiding Place. But what I learned the other day about the word "keep" illuminated this role of God in a new way.

In the past, I'd only ever thought of "keep" as a verb, and it does function in this capacity when we refer to God as our Keeper. According to BibleStudyTools.com, though, "keep" can also be a noun. In ancient times, the center tower of a castle was called the "keep" and was a place of shelter and protection during an enemy attack.

The "keep." 

My husband and I sometimes (half) joke about the items we'd grab in a hurry if we ever had to rush out of our house and seek shelter somewhere else. My personal Bible study workbooks are consistently on the list (which always starts with our children, of course). When our older daughter was pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential her senior year in high school, we added the black, four-inch ring binder that essentially contained all her work toward that very valuable certificate to the list. My younger daughter's pointe shoes would also probably be on it. You might say these are the treasures we'd take to our "keep."

Beloved, you—YOU—are what God has in His "keep." You are on His list. You are His treasure (Deuteronomy 7:6). You are what He values and prizes. You are what He cherishes and defends. You are what He wants to keep.

How I pray your heart and mind are wooed toward the Keeper by the truth of what you mean to Him. Keep close to Him today, for in His care and keeping is the surest and best place to be.