“This is what the LORD of Armies says… “Whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.” Zechariah 2:8 (God’s Word® Translation)

They sat side by side at the café table.

The girl, messy hair pulled into a ponytail, her pink winter jacket unzipped on this unseasonably warm winter day. Her daddy’s dark hair such a contrast to the blondness of the girl. Each had a bagel spread with strawberry cream cheese that they ate with obvious relish. Between bites the conversation flowed.

I could hear the girl relating bits of information from a recent project she presented in the classroom and her daddy naturally joining the conversation. Occasionally he asked a question: “How did you feel about standing in front of everyone?”, pausing respectfully to hear her answer. He was genuinely interested in the events and people of the girl’s life. Through all the time that I observed them, I never saw the father’s eyes swerve from his daughter as she talked. He was totally “in tune” with this child who differed from him in age, education, career or life outside these moments. The café conversation I overheard left no doubt that the little girl was cherished, loved, respected, esteemed. And the way she leaned into her daddy spoke volumes about her trust in him.

It was clear to me she was “the apple of his eye.”

Does this experience describe my relationship with God? My conversations with him? Do I freely share with him the events and people of my day, talking friend to friend? Do I listen for his responses? Can I imagine his eyes gazing into my own? His ears hearing not only my words but the motives and feelings beneath my words? Do I accept that he sees me as the “apple of his eye”?

Past disappointments, an inadequate or mistaken understanding of God’s character, perhaps even abuse at the hand of those commissioned as caregivers—all can stand in the way of our understanding of God’s love for us. It takes increasing concentration on and trust in the character of God as revealed in the Bible and experienced in daily life for us to live deeply into the one who says, “You are the apple of my eye.”

Thank you, Father, for your extraordinary and very personal love. Help me dwell deep within it.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

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Perhaps, you have encountered a hard time in your life but you have never made the decision to surrender you heart to Jesus. Let me encourage you to surrender your life to Jesus Christ today and start feeling his abundant love for you.  The following is a prayer you could make your own:

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Amen.

Is it the desire of your heart to make this prayer yours? If yes, pray now and according to his promise, Jesus Christ will come into your life.

FURTHER READING

• The Tapestry of Life
• Your Father’s Heart Longs for You 
• When Your Heart Needs a Father

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