Definition:

1. to keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over

2. to keep under close watch in order to prevent escape, misconduct, etc.

3. to take precautions

4. to give protection; keep watch; be watchful

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. KJV

That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. NLT

This is why I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him]. AMP

Devotional:

Such a simple word - guard - but once I did this word study the verse 2 Timothy 1:12 came alive in a brand new way. I hope it comes alive to you too! In this verse Paul is writing to Timothy from prison. Paul is in prison basically saying, “I am not worried because I know God is guarding what I have left in His hands.” Paul could’ve been freaking out while in prison but he knew who was guarding his life. God guards our lives. 

Guard in the English dictionary means; to watch, preserve, observe, keep safe, be aware etc. Most of us when we think about the word guard, we visualize a security guard or police officer. We do not visualize God. But, through this devotional you will see He is the ultimate guard for what we entrust to Him. 

This word phulassō has three levels of meaning that when put together adds new revelation to this scripture. The first level is the traditional meaning of guard: to watch, preserve, and observe. The second level is phulē which means race, clan, tribe, and kindred. The third level phuō means to swell up, grow, sprout, and produce. When you put these three levels together God is not only “guarding” what you have entrusted to Him, but He is watching over it as if it was His own. He is “guarding” it to the point that he is preserving it until it is growing, swelling up, and producing! 

When we entrust God with our lives, he doesn’t just simply watch over them. He is interacting with our lives in a way that makes them produce more! He watches over us because we are His very own family. A protection that doesn’t just sit by and watch, but gets down with us and collaborates. 

After doing this word study it brought a whole new meaning to entrusting God with my cares, my worries, my family, my life. God is not only watching over them but they are growing in His care. If I am wary of trusting God, I am holding back the production, growth, and harvest that could be in my life. Take a moment today and give God something to “guard” and watch Him care for it, keep it safe and make it flourish! 

Confession:

I am not ashamed: for I know whom I believe in, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him. 

I am not ashamed for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.

I am not ashamed for I know Him and I am personally acquainted with Him. I believe with absolute trust and confidence in Him, and I am persuaded beyond any doubt that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him.

Additional Scriptures: Matthew 19:20, Mark 10:20, Luke 2:8, Luke 8:29, Luke 11:21 & 28, Luke 12:15, Luke 18:21, John 12:25, John 17:12, Acts 7:53, Acts 12:4, Acts 16:4, Acts 21:24-25, Acts 22:20, Acts 23:35, Acts 28:16, Romans 2:26, Galatians 6:13, 2 Thessolians 3:3, 1 Timothy 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14, 2 Timothy 4:15, 2 Peter 2:5, 2 Peter 3:17, 1 John 5:21, Jude 1:24

Make sure you take a moment today and give God something to “guard” and watch Him care for it, keep it safe and make it flourish!