To Be Kept By Jesus

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Illustration

The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, rises more than 2,700 feet—over half a mile tall. It has 160 floors and is twice as tall as the Empire State Building in New York City. It is home to the world’s fastest elevator that travels at 40 miles per hour. The Burj Khalifa also hosts the world’s highest outdoor observation deck (on the 124th floor) and the world’s highest swimming pool (on the 76th floor).

But the secret to the stability of this massive building is found underground. Before construction began to rise up, workers spent a year digging and pouring the massive foundation that supports the building. The foundation contains some 58,900 cubic yards of concrete weighing more than 110,000 tons. The building is safe because the foundation is solid.

Among the many benefits of having a relationship with God through Christ Jesus is His divine keeping power. What does it mean to be kept by Jesus? God’s keeping power protects us from the attacks of the enemy. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 121:7-8; “The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.

God protects our physical bodies and our souls. That does not mean we won’t get sick or die. But even in death, we are assured of everlasting fellowship with the Almighty. God protects us from the dangers of nature and from the snares of the enemy. He builds a hedge of protection around those who trust in Him and keep us in perfect peace even in the midst of sorrow.

God’s keeping power refreshes us. We can easily become overwhelmed by the vicissitudes of life. At times it seems as if life's troubles are at every turn. God’s refreshing power is made available to those who trust in Him. This spiritual refreshment can occur through prayer and meditation, or by just allowing the Holy Spirit to revive our souls. Some people find it helpful to go on a spiritual retreat to be refreshed. Others do gardening, Yoga, or other forms of mental relaxation. It is simply a time when we are still before God and invites Him to refresh our souls and renew our spirits.

In today’s text, Isaiah reminds the Israelites of God’s keeping power for those who trust in the Lord. This was a meaningful statement to the Israelites who struggled with captivity. Peace was indeed a precious commodity. In this world of pandemic stress and anxiety, we need to be reminded that God can keep us in perfect peace if we trust in Him. No matter how troubling things may become, we have to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding so He can keep us in perfect peace.

God’s keeping power restores. God restores those who have gone astray because He predestined them for eternal glory. He restores our joy when the cares of this world try to darken our spirits. God. The Lord restores opportunities that were stolen from us, so we do not live in bitterness and resentment. He restores our hope when we fail the test of faith.

God also keeps us by His persistent presence. He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Everywhere we go, God is present. He is a faithful friend who knows us better than we know ourselves. His omnipresence reassures us of His divine protection. It empowers us to remain steadfast and confident in our spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness in this world.

Keeping our minds on God is the sure foundation we need to remain unshakable when our lives are shaking by the issues of life. Having God as our foundation assures us that we will overcome all obstacles and live victoriously through Christ Jesus. Believers who are kept by God stand tall like the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai in all circumstances because they trust in God.

Questions for Personal Reflection?

How does God’s keeping power help you to make it day by day?

What evidence do you have that you are kept by God?

Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for keeping me in perfect peace when the cares of this world overwhelm my spirit. Please help me to continue to trust you even when I am struggling to feel your presence in my life. Remind me that you are a faithful friend whose omnipresence assures me of victory despite the battles I may face.