August 4

He Blesses and Keeps

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; — Num 6:24 BSB

The first part of the high priest’s blessing is essentially a promise. The blessing that our great High Priest pronounces over us is certain to come, for He speaks the mind of God.

What a joy it is to live under God’s blessing! It brings a gracious sweetness to everything we have and do. If we are blessed, then even our possessions, pleasures, losses, crosses, and disappointments are blessed. God’s blessing is deep, powerful, and effective. While a human blessing might end with words, the blessing of the Lord makes us rich and sanctifies us. The best wish we can offer our dearest friend is not “may you prosper,” but “may the Lord bless you.”

Equally wonderful is the assurance of being kept by God—kept close to Him, kept in His love. Those who are kept by God are truly safe, preserved from evil, and reserved for boundless joy. God’s keeping accompanies His blessing, establishing and securing it for eternity.

The author of this devotional book prays that the rich blessing and sure keeping of God, as declared in this promise, may be upon every reader who is reading these words. Pray this promise back to God for His servants.