Penguins and People

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Penguins and People

Diane was excited! Her family was going on an all-day excursion to the city zoo. "I love watching all the animals, but the penguins are my favorites," she said. "They look so funny strutting around on land, and it's even more fun to watch them swim. They look like they're flying underwater!" Whenever she went swimming herself, Diane would try to imitate the smooth, flowing motions of the funny birds. (See the last page for information on penguins.)

At the zoo, a guide explained how the penguin room was kept cold so the birds would be comfortable. "Otherwise," said the guide, "the birds will get sick and possibly die from the change of climate." Diane listened eagerly as he described a number of other special things that were done to keep the penguins comfortable and healthy.

That evening, Dad turned to Psalm 121 for their family devotions. "Do these verses remind you of those penguins?" he asked after reading the Psalm. "Remember how careful the zoo keepers are in taking care of them?"

Diane nodded. "They make sure they get certain foods, and the right temperature and even special lights!" she replied. "The guys who take care of them-the zoo keepers-know how to keep the conditions just right so the penguins won't get sick."

"Yes, and this Psalm reminds me that God does the same thing for us," said Dad. "Just think of what would happen if it hailed all the time, or if it suddenly got as hot as an oven. God knows the conditions we need in life, and He's the one who controls our environment."

"So we have a 'keeper,' just like the penguins do. God is our keeper, right?" asked Diane. "I think one of the verses in that Psalm says that, doesn't it?"

Dad nodded. "God not only controls our physical environment, but also all the situations and circumstances that affect our lives. He is our keeper, and He does a perfect job, allowing only what is good for us-whether it seems good to us or not."

"Yeah," said Diane thoughtfully. A twinkle came to her eye. "Hey, Dad, I think we should go to the zoo real often, so I'll be reminded of that!"

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Did you know that it's God who keeps you day by day? He's the one who provides the air you breathe, the food and water you need, and the type of environment in which you can survive. He also provides for your spiritual needs. All the things He allows in your life work together to make you the person you should be. Thank Him for being your keeper.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 121:3-5)
He who keeps you . . . shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper.
Keys For Kids Devotion