Psalm 17:8 "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings"
The 17th Psalm is very interesting. David begins this Psalm by speaking of his
strength and determination. At some point in the writing, he sees the reality
of danger and opposition in life. It is at that point that he goes from what he
has done to the place of total reliance upon the blessed Lord. Isn't that the
way most of us look at our lives? We look at our good points and want God to be
aware of them; that is, until we are faced with the reality of the enemy
standing before us. At that point, our goodness goes flying out the window and
we are totally dependent upon the goodness and mercy of our Lord.
The turning point was David's request, "Keep me as the apple of the eye,
hide me under the shadow of thy wings." Lord, please don't ever stop
showing your love and favor upon me. I can only stand with your help. I
can only go against the enemy with your help. I can only win the battles and
struggles of life with your help. "Hide me under the shadow of thy
wings." Lord, there are times that I just need a rest and there is
no better place to rest than in your presence with your grace covering me.
The phrase, "under the shadow of thy wings," refers to the Holy Place
where the High Priest entered once a year with the offering of blood unto the
Father for the sins of the people. Lord, hide me in the power and blessing of
the shed blood. Yes, David was referring to the tabernacle, but you and I
have a more sure place to hide (be covered). We do not rely upon the
blessing of the blood of animals; rather, we trust in the grace of God that was
shown to us through the shed blood of THE Lamb of God - Jesus the Christ.
Lord? Am I the apple of your eye? Do you love me? How can I be certain of your
love and safety? How can I know the enemy will not overtake me? The answer is
found as we read this blessed passage from God's Word: