Five Minute Friday: Keep

Sixteen years ago, I stepped out of our rental car on a cold November morning, and took this picture from the parking lot of the famous castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany.  I remember gazing up at the impressive tower silhouetted against the winter blue sky, and touching the thick stone walls on the castle tour, and just being in awe of this magnificent castle.  In the Middle Ages, a large tower in a castle was commonly referred to as the "keep."  The tower was used as both a fortified residence and a refuge of last resort, should the castle come under siege.

I love that the keep served two purposes -- a place to dwell and a safe place to retreat to.  In John 14:23, Jesus says, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."  How marvelous that if we keep His word and abide with Him, He will dwell with us!

Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." There is no question that a spiritual battle is raging around us as the day of the Lord approaches.  I can think of no better place to be than dwelling in the safety and security of His love.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."  (Psalm 18:2-3)