You are the Apple of God's Eye, Cont.

You are the Apple of God's Eye, Cont. 

​When I fix my eyes on Jesus is when I can see my reflection in His pupil (in His word, in the mirror…Hebrews 12:2; James 1:23; reflecting the evidences of spiritual fruit and a godly image/characteristics). When I turn my back on Him is when I lose sight of Him and His ways, but what’s awesome to know is that He still zooms in on me no matter what. Why? Because our gracious God never turns His back on His people.  
 
Just remember that, “You are the apple of God’s eye. God is following along closely with your life as a caring, attentive Father. You are very dear to Him and He longs for it to go well for you. His thoughts towards you are of ‘peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11) Your decisions are important to Him. God can’t make decisions for you, but He believes in you and is eager to help if you ask Him. He is for you as a protector, a mentor, a helper, a friend.
Have you fallen in sin again and again or made a huge mistake and feel undeserving? God is quick to forgive those who repent and never gives up on you or becomes dissatisfied or impatient. King David trusted God’s lovingkindness when faced with enemies. He prayed, ‘Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.’ Psalm 17:8-9. You can do the same and take refuge in God’s Word when you are faced with dark thoughts of discouragement and condemnation. Feelings and thoughts of worthlessness aren’t true! Believe and practice the truths in God’s Word and you will become free.” https://activechristianity.org/look-at-yourself-through-gods-eyes
 
Self-Examination Time:
Who’s the apple of your eye? Within whose pupil do you see your reflection…God’s or the worlds? What is that reflection revealing to you? Are you allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to look Him in His eye, in His word, in the mirror, and to make the appropriate corrections? Are you guarding His commands and teachings as the apple of your eye (Proverbs 7:2)? Take refuge in His word.
Within God’s pupil you’ll find protection / a sensitive place. He’ll guard your heart / mind and life…abide there. You’ll sense His genuine tender loving care for you.
Realize that God’s care for His people has not diminished with time. You aren’t to abuse grace, but you can be thankful that though at times you are a rebellious and stiff-necked individual that you’re still precious in His sight, and you’re always within His sights no matter what…He’ll never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Maybe take some time to make King David’s prayer above your prayer this morning as well.
 
Songs:

• Apple of My Eye by Keith Mullins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX-8-mnpdfo
• Apple of My Eye…a song to memorize and sing to your honey bunch, sugar plum, pumpie umpy umpkin, sweetie pie, cuppy cake, gum drop, snookum snookums…Got it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HdPxtKDGvo

Practicing His Presence,
Nate