THE LORD IS THY KEEPER.

 

APRIL 22.
 
The Lord is thy keeper.
Psalm 121:5
 

THE Lord’s people are the objects of his constant care.
 
They feel that they cannot
  keep themselves.
They realize that they are exposed
  to many foes and dangers.
They frequently put themselves into
  his hands for protection.
They daily call upon him to be
  their keeper and guide.
And they busily employ themselves in
  obeying his commands and doing his will.
 
The Lord is engaged to keep all such, and
  he is an omnipotent keeper.
 
He will keep them at all times,
  and in all places.
 
But he will especially keep them
  in times of peculiar danger,
  in seasons of heavy trouble, and
  in the midst of many fears.
 
He will not keep them from trouble,
  but he will keep them from sinking under it.
 
He will not keep them from being
  exercised with inward corruption,
   but he will keep them from being overcome by it.
 
He will not keep them from temptation
  to apostasy and other sins
   but he will keep them from going back into the world.
 
In keeping them, he will employ his mighty angels,
  his special providence,
  his sacred word, and
    the operation of his Holy Spirit.
 
He will keep them because he loves them, and
  because he can glorify himself by doing so.

 

Jesus is my sure defence,

I all his care shall prove,

Kept by his watchful providence,

And ever waking love.

 
James Smith 1849