"Keeping what I have entrusted to him" may mean: (1) Paul knows that God will keep the souls of the believers he leads to the Lord; (2) He believes that God will keep his soul until the Lord comes again; (3) He believes that even if he is in prison and facing death, God will continue this gospel Ministry through other co-workers. Paul expressed his confidence to encourage Timothy, because Timothy was facing various problems and threats of persecution from the Ephesian church, and he must be very depressed. Even in prison, Paul was convinced that God was still in charge. No matter what setbacks or problems we face, we can trust God completely. -Spiritual Bible