GOD THE KEEPER

We all realize the need of being kept safe in an evil and cruel world, and the more so as we know the latent, perfidiousness of our own hearts. Our Lord knew our need in such a scene as he prayed, “these are in the world … Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me”, John 17. 11.

In this psalm, the writer no less than six times uses the word “keep” (R.V.). From wherever the help comes, it comes from the Lord whose omnipotence and omniscience have servants ready to do His bidding, vv. 1-2. His unwearied love and continual set purpose assure unbroken preservation of God’s own, v. 4.

The Lord (Jehovah, the unchanging One) is the shade from the simmering heat. Such ministry is at the right hand in strong support. Satan had been at the right hand to accuse (the usual position for the counsel for the prosecution in a court). But the Judge Himself is now the Upholder of the justified one, Zech. 3. 1; Rev. 12. 10; Rom. 8. 33.

The supporting right hand reminds us that we are kept by the power of God unto salvation, 1 Pet. 1. 5, for “I… will hold thine hand, and will keep thee”, says the Lord, I?a. 42. 6. Moreover, the complete company of the kept-ones is preserved as one inviolable entity, to be admired in that day, John 17. 11; 2 Thess. 1. 10.

The Lord’s keeping is not only in His power, but also in exquisite tenderness, “Keep me as the apple of the eye”, Psa. 17. 8. The Lord had promised this very thing, Deut. 32. 10, (lit. “the little man in the eye”—the reflection. The same idiom exists in the Chinese language).

The good of all this should be enjoyed daily in the believer’s life. Those whose minds are stayed on the Lord in faith, He will keep in perfect peace, Isa. 26. 3.

So “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus”, Phil.

4. 6-7 R.V.