Apple of His Eye

APPLE OF HIS EYE

By Carolyn Dale Newell

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

Psalm 17:8 NKJV

The car passed in front of us. One more step, and Iva and I would have been hit. On the sidewalk, I consoled the man in the wheelchair. He groaned in disbelief. His attempt to stop the car had been ignored, but his loud warning for me to stop planted my feet firmly. Iva, my guide dog, had put her brakes on simultaneously.

I explained that God would deal with those people, but he had been present today because God had a purpose. God protected us using this gentleman.

I thank God for today, but how many times have I complained at His hand of protection? Think of the countless times we run late. How many of these kept us from accidents? One that I know for sure. How many cancellations have sent me pouting rather than praising God for the unknown avoided catastrophe?

Can you recall the times when God has been your shield, your fortress, your refuge, or your strong tower of safety? Now praise Him for the times you never realized you were kept safe under His wings. The times you once grumbled about.

Commentators believe David was running from Saul when he prayed for God to keep him safe like the apple of His eye. David sought to be covered by the wings of the Almighty.

Christian, like David, we have an enemy – Satan. At times, he plays havoc with our lives. However, old slew foot gets his chain jerked by God. He only allows the devil to go so far with God’s precious children.

The apple of the eye is the pupil, the most sensitive part of the human body. We shelter our eyes for the preservation of sight, but one poke in that delicate spot adds a new meaning to sensitivity.

The pupil is a unique part of human anatomy. It constricts and expands to allow the right amount of light into the eye. When our surroundings grow dark, we need more light. Physically, the pupil dilates to allow much-needed light. Spiritually, in dark times, God gives us the necessary illumination we need.

Part of our Lord’s safety net includes His rays of wisdom. He shields believers with beams of understanding concerning the enemy. He covers us with the believer’s armor.

My mom saved some of my baby clothes including a pink pair of pants with a red apple with “apple of my eye” embroidered across one leg. I wasn’t only Mom’s little darling. I am my heavenly Father’s little darling also. Whoever touches me has touched the apple of His eye.

Pray protection over your life, over your family, and over your church. Thank Him for His watchful care. Trust Him as He guides us day and night. Rest in the shadow of His wings, as the apple of His eye.

Father, thank You for the many times we fail to appreciate Your hand of protection. We realize we need Your shield more than we know. Watch over us as we are out and about today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Psalm 17.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Do you pray daily for protection? Most of us ask for travel mercies when we travel outside of our normal surroundings, but trouble can find us anywhere. In what ways do you need to change your prayer habits concerning safe-keeping?

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.