A Place of Protection

In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste, He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10 (New Internation Version)

I have often seen the phrase “the apple of his eye” in scripture and assumed it simply referred to being precious to God. While that is certainly true that is not what this phrase is talking about. The apple of the eye is its pupil. A necessary part of the eye that requires protection at all costs. One Bible note says it is cared for and protected because of its great value. No wonder Deuteronomy 32:10 uses words like shielded, cared for, and guarded. The NASB uses the word encircled. The KJV uses the word kept. Some people would read this verse and mistakenly conclude God’s protection means the removal of trials, pain, disappointment, and heartache from their life. Although that will be the case when this life is over it certainly is not the case as we walk through this world. I would venture to say that most of us face a difficulty in one form or another EVERY day! It may be in the circumstances we face, the people we come into contact with, the unmet needs we live with, illness, loss, or any number of other things. No, God’s protection does not mean absence of these things.

What it does mean is protection from the effects they would have on us. While His protection is there all the time, the times we most need to sense it is when we are going through a difficulty. It is times like that when I try to picture God’s arms or wings enfolding me and holding me securely. To be sheltered by Him. I am learning the necessity and preciousness of running to Him during the times when my heart aches, my tears flow, and my strength fails.

It use to be I thought He expected me to withstand these things on my own. Like somehow, Christian maturity meant I could get to the place where the things of life no longer affected me. I was setting myself up for discouragement as I could never seem to master that ability. It has just been in the last number of months that I have learned in this life I will experience pain, sorrow, and disappointment but now I know where to go for the comfort, healing, and protection. I don't always get it right but I am learning to go straight into the arms of the One who longs to shelter me.

Father, once again I seek the shelter You provide. Hold me! Amen.

You Are My Hiding Place/As The Deer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWYtujZjoUA&feature=related