WINDOWS
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings…
Psalm 17:8 (NIV)
Some say that the eyes are the window to the soul. What exactly does that mean? Looking into someone’s eyes can reveal much. Oftentimes, the eyes say something more than what words can communicate. Our words may say we’re happy, but our eyes can communicate excitement or sadness. Seeing someone looking at us as we process the loss of a loved one cannot be measured. The eyes of someone we care deeply about, letting us know that we’re loved, is priceless. Meeting the eyes of a friend when we’re hurting provides much solace. A newborn baby looking into the eyes of a parent starts the creation of a lifelong bond.
Pictures and videos reveal much about how you or others felt at a particular time. Consider times of celebration in your life. What do you see when looking at pictures, watching graduations or vacation videos? When I look at photos from my high school graduation, I see proud parents and excited friends. When I look at pictures from the first time my kids experienced a roller coaster, I see sheer delight. When I look at the videos of my grandkids experiencing Japanese food being cooked in front of them, I see wonder (and some anxiety, to be honest).
Research says that the pupil of the eye expands when it sees something that captures interest. The Bible says that we, you and I, are the apple of God’s eye. God’s eyes are forever upon us. His eyes are open and engaged. He is interested in us. He desires to have His love for us received. We must only look back at Him to experience His love for us.
APPLICATION: Spend some time imagining how God views you. If you feel negative, condemning feelings, ask Him to correct those feelings into truth. Thank Him for making you the apple of His eye.
PRAYER: Jesus, the Bible says You are the lover of my soul (mind/will/emotions). Help me meet Your gaze today and find love and acceptance for my soul. May my soul begin to heal and experience joy. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?