Deuteronomy 32:10-11
10 He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. 11 As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings.

I have always wondered what the scriptures meant by “the apple of Your eye”. I would read it and think of it literally and a piece of fruit that was pleasing in the sight of the Lord. While the “pleasing to the Lord” was right, the fruit part was off track. The phrase “apple of the eye” is an old English expression referring to the pupil of the eye. Biblically, it is a phrase that is used symbolically of something cherished, precious and protected.

The Lord has an ever watchful eye upon His children. He understands the battle we are in, the daily struggles we face, and the temptations that lure us away from Him. He never grows impatient with us. In fact, scripture tells us that His patience towards us is enduring (Jeremiah 15:15). What an encouraging truth that in the wasteland and wilderness where God found us He encircled us with His love, taught us and then continues to keep us as the “apple of His eye”. He looks upon us as something that is precious, that He cherishes and that He is committed to protect. Praise His mighty name!

Father, may the Holy Spirit be active in revealing this truth to us. As we face the challenges that can discourage, may the truth of how your eye is upon us carry us on the wings of Your love. In this we will walk in the confidence of knowing that you sustain us with the realization that you are our God. Thank you that this is possible through your son Jesus. In His precious name we pray...Amen!