STOP
The apple of your eye. What an idiom! Does this mean that there are apples in people's eyes? Does this mean that if we are considered the apple of someone’s eye that we look delicious? Just kidding. The phrase simply means that one is favored, meaning they are in the pupil, the middle,of the beholder's eyes. I don’t know about you, but I want to just be in the eyes of the Lord, that he sees me. I assure you, the Lord is watching over you. What if we were to wish, like David does, to be kept in the apple of the Lord’s eyes, in the very middle of his eye? Knowing that He is watching us should give us comfort and rest.
Try starting with this:
Lastly, imagine all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists all as apples. They can be good and delicious, or they can be rotten. Sometimes they can keep the doctor away and sometimes they require the great physician to fix.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “Show the wonder”
As you exhale, pray, “of your great love”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer–It does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. As for the deeds of men–by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call of you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me [...]You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up weath for their children. And I–in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness ”(Psalm 17:1-9;14-15 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. David starts this psalm as a prayer with a request, but not just any type of request, an actual plea. Have you ever pleaded with the Lord? Did he answer your prayer? Do you ever try to justify why God should hear your plea? Like David does when he says, “may your eyes see what is right,” or when he says, “though you may test me, you will find nothing.” But if we are honest, would He really find “nothing.” If you are anything like me, God will find a sinner in need of Jesus’ grace freely given on the cross. However, even though we are sinners, I think we might be able to say, “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” Resolved means that you have come to the conclusion, in way that is firm, an end to something. Have you resolved to not sin with your mouth?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, meditate on the last line of this psalm. It says that “I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” Are we satisfied in seeing his likeness in us? Where do we resemble his likeness in our daily walk?
