Read

Psalm 12-17, 19-21

Think

Psalm 17:8-9, "Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me."

Do you ever struggle with believing that God truly loves you? That He really is madly in love with you? Not in a generic "God loves everyone" kind of way, but in an intense, deeply personal way. No matter how many times you've failed, how many times you've strayed off course, or how many times you've taken His love for granted - He still loves you! Nothing you have ever done or ever will do will change this fact.

In today's reading, David describes God's unwavering, unfailing love. So, let's focus on two vivid word pictures in David's prayer.

"Keep me as the apple of Your eye." When someone is the apple of your eye, they are your pride and joy. You love them immensely and will do anything to keep them safe and secure. And no part of the body is more carefully guarded than the eye. It is to be kept clear, unobstructed, beautiful, and useful. That is what God does for us. Although David had a uniquely high calling, God's love for him wasn't greater than His love for you. That means that you, too, are the apple of God's eye. He sees you, knows you, and wants to be included in every aspect of your life!

"Hide me in the shadow of Your wings." This is beautiful imagery of a mother bird hiding her chicks under her wings to protect them from predators and other elements. You are God's child whom He fiercely protects and defends. Nothing can snatch you from His hand; nothing can separate you from His perfect love.

One more time: GOD LOVES YOU! Believe it! You are the apple of His eye, protected under the shadow of His wings. Keep this thought in mind today, and be confident in the fact that you are a child of the Almighty!

Pray

Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful to be the "apple of your eye" who You protect under the "shadow of Your wings." Thank You for Your unfailing love, for never letting me go. Amen.