October 7, Apple of His eye

Keep me as the apple of your eye.

Psalm 17:8

He has you. He truly does.  This request of the Psalmist has been fulfilled for all who are truly His. 

Take a moment to embrace this imagery.  Some have translated the above statement as “pupil of the eye.”  The above prayer can actually be interpreted, “preserve me, guard me.”  The imagery demonstrates one who would defend that which to him is the most valuable of all possessions.  When the imagery of the “apple” is applied to the eye, most likely the reference is to the center most part of the eye through which rays of light pass to form images.   

The prayer of the Psalmist is that God would guard him as one would guard his own sight (that which is extremely valuable and fully protected).   Moses related this very image to God’s care for Israel:

“In a desert land He found him, in a barren and howling waste.  He shielded him and cared for him; Heguarded him as the apple of His eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10)

In Proverbs 7:2, the people of God are called to hold onto His word endearingly:

“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”

So, this imagery, ‘the apple of the eye,” reflects the significance of that which is treasured, cared for, protected, valued greatly, and preserved perpetually.  God held Israel with such clear devotion, and He continues to hold His children this way.  His perfect love and care have not diminished at all; He cares for us beyond what you or I could ever imagine.  He holds us as close as our eyelids to our eyes and moves ever more rapidly to cover us.  His love for us is parental, personal, and perfect.  

So, yes, God has answered this prayer of the Psalmist through Christ our Lord. You are cared for, covered, and divinely and providentially surrounded by His love.  For, He loves you as the apple of His eye.

Discouragement, leave.  Doubt, disappear.  Loneliness, you have no place.  Fear, you are defeated.  For God has held us as the apple of His eye.  And nothing in all eternity will ever change this very real and dear fact.

So today, celebrate God’s care, love, nearness, and covering.  And, go forward rejoicing in faith.  

Blessings.