The Keeper

God’s creation is amazing! There are so many lessons we can learn from the creatures God has made. Have you ever kept a tortoise as a pet? They do not bark or fetch, and they are not cuddly, but some people simply love them. Maybe this is because they have such interesting personalities. These reptiles have personality characteristics that are common not just to themselves but to all turtles. Like humans, they are quiet, shy, and gentle.

They are also intelligent and are able to recognize and form a bond with their keepers. We could learn a thing or two from them! Tortoises are cold-blooded and need to bask in the sun every day to raise their body temperature and maintain optimal health. We need to bask daily in the presence of God’s Son for optimal spiritual health.

We do this when we spend time with Him.

Through prayer, devotions, Bible study, sharing our testimonies, and witnessing, we form a precious bond with the One who created us—our Keeper.

We should always cherish our “feeding times.” We need nourishment if we are to grow into strong, mature daughters of God. Jesus reminds us, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever” (John 6:51, KJV). As we feed on God’s Word, He prepares us for heaven and the new earth, where we will live with Him forever. Sisters, the Keeper encourages us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV). Of course, there will be tough times, but it does not matter what we are up against. We can trust Him. Take time to know who He is, what He can do, and where He is leading.

He knows everything. His Word declares, “You are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm” (Isaiah 25:4, NLT). When Joseph was thrown into prison, when he needed refuge from the storm, we read, “The LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21, KJV). Like Joseph, we have a Keeper who is able to do the same for us. Our Keeper knows us. He loves us at all times. He knows when something is wrong, and He promises that if we will “draw nigh to God, . . . he will draw nigh” to us (James 4:8, KJV).

Juliet L. Lucas Languedoc