The Apple of His Eye

The next time you have a momentary failure of faith over the frustrations of the day, know you are not alone. Even the most faithful forget. We know of King David’s great failure and sin – adultery and murder. We also read in the Psalms of David’s great despair and feeling of abandonment, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1-6) His circumstances seemed dark and hopeless. But still, David is described in the scriptures as the man after God’s own heart. 

“Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,” Psalm 17:7-8

Notice David pleas, keep me as the apple of your eye. He knew where he stood with God despite his failures and feelings. What exactly does it mean to be the apple of one’s eye?  I must admit this is not an idiom I’ve heard used all that often, so I’ve resorted to a little research.

According to Merriam Webster it means “a person or thing that someone loves very much.” We can assume so. But when the Psalms were first translated into English from Hebrew, we learn the original meaning is “the little man of your pupil.” It is not near as poetic, but that is exactly what David was pleading. 

Have you ever seen your reflection in someone’s eye? Think of it this way, God loves us so much that our very being is at the center of his sight. He doesn’t take his eye off us, even if we take ours off of him. Even in David’s sin and separation, through his fear and lack of faith, God continues to care for to his children. 

David is also the writer of one of my favorite Psalms. Psalm 19 – The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God. There are days when I begin to lose faith, then I simply look around and see the Glory of God revealed in the skies and through his creation. On days when I can’t see beyond my circumstances, I can look up as the heavens speak ”without sound or word” that the Lord God is my rock and my redeemer.

And I can know that I too am the apple of his eye. So are you dear friend. Keep the faith, keep looking up.

Remade,
Becky

Artwork “The Apple of His Eye” is currently on display and for sale at the Wichita Falls Art Association 8th Street Gallery. It is my hope and prayer that this piece will speak to the hearts of those who need to hear the Gospel story. If you have interest in purchasing the original painting, please visit the gallery or contact me.

Giclee Art Prints, as a reproduction of the original art is available in the Print Shop.

The Apple of His Eye

12×16 Oil on Panel