Pastor's Ponderings, April 24, 2025

We Are the Apple of God’s Eye

 

You’ve probably heard the phrase “the apple of my eye.” It shows up in love songs, movies, and everyday conversations—like in Stevie Wonder’s classic hit You Are the Sunshine of My Life. In that song, he sings, “You are the apple of my eye, forever you'll stay in my heart.” It's a beautiful way of saying, “You mean the world to me.” The phrase “apple of my eye” comes from ancient times. Originally, it referred to the pupil—the most sensitive and protected part of the eye. That’s why it became a symbol of something (or someone) extremely precious and loved.

 

Now here’s the amazing part: God feels that way about you. Psalm 17:8 says, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” That’s how much God cares—He protects us like we’re the most delicate, valuable part of His own eye. Think about that. When something gets too close to your eye, your body reacts instantly to shield it. That’s the kind of love and protection God offers us. You are not forgotten. You are not invisible. You are cherished.

 

Life doesn’t always make us feel that way, though. There are days when the world seems to be against us, when people let us down, or when our hearts are heavy with stress, fear, or pain. But even in those moments, God’s love doesn’t fade. He is still with you. He’s still on your side (Romans 8:31), and He’s still saying, “You are mine. I’ve got you." Colossians 2:10 reminds us that we are complete in Him—not because we have it all together, but because He does. And His love is constant, even when our emotions aren’t.

 

So we can walk into today knowing this: You are deeply loved. You are held. You are the apple of God’s eye. Let that truth bring you peace, confidence, and joy. And when life gets tough, remind yourself—“I’m precious to God. He’s got me covered.”

 

Psalm 17:8

New International Version

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

 

Romans 8:31

New International Version

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Colossians 2:10

New International Version

10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

 

Pastor's Ponderings, April 18, 2025

God Is Our Bridge Over Every Problem

 

Life can feel overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty seem to be everywhere. People are looking for peace, for answers, for a way through the chaos. It is easy to feel like we’re just barely holding on.

 

Back in the 1970s, Simon & Garfunkel released a song called "Bridge Over Troubled Water." One line goes, “When you’re weary, feeling small… I’m on your side when times get rough.” That imagery is powerful—someone willing to lay themselves down like a bridge to help you get across the hard stuff. It’s a beautiful reflection of the love God has for us.

 

God is that bridge. He gets us over the deep waters of life—the heartbreaks, the confusion, the fear. He doesn’t just watch from a distance; He steps in. He protects us, lifts us, and keeps us from falling (Isaiah 46:4). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and that’s exactly who He is—our way through every challenge.

 

When life hits hard, God lifts a standard against the storm (Isaiah 59:19b). When we cry out for help, He sends His word to heal and restore us (Psalm 107:19-20). He’s not just a lifeline—He’s the whole rescue plan.

 

So instead of giving all our attention to bad news, social media rants, or hopeless headlines, let’s stay focused on God’s truth. Let’s keep His promises in front of us—on our minds and in our hearts (Proverbs 4:20-22). No matter what you’re facing, know this: God is your bridge. He’s strong enough to carry you, steady enough to walk on, and loving enough to always see you through to the other side.

 

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Isaiah 46:4

New International Version

4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you

 

Isaiah 59:19b

New King James Version

19 …When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.

 

Psalm 107:19-20

New International Version

19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

 

Proverbs 4:20-22

New International Version

20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

 

 

Pastor's Ponderings, April 10, 2025

 God Is Always With Us

 

We’re living in uncertain times. The economy is unpredictable, the justice system often feels inconsistent, and trusted institutions seem to be falling apart. But in the middle of all the confusion, God gives us a clear promise: “I will be with you” (Isaiah 41:10). There’s an old song that puts it beautifully: “He’s got the whole world in His hands.” That includes the wind, the rain, every child, every person—you and me. And that truth hasn’t changed.

 

God knows everything about us—from beginning to end (Isaiah 46:10). He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and He promises to hold us steady and keep us from falling (Jude 24-25). When life feels too heavy to carry, He says to cast all our worries on Him because He cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7).

 

That kind of love and faithfulness isn’t something the world offers. The world tells us to lean on experts, influencers, and quick fixes. But those things don’t have the power to give us real peace. Only God can do that. And the best part? God doesn’t back away when life gets tough. Even when people let us down or walk away, He remains right by our side. He is our ever-present help—no matter what we’re facing.

 

Yes, this world has its share of trouble. But our hope goes beyond this life. As the old hymn “I’ll Fly Away” reminds us, “Some glad morning, when this life is over, I’ll fly away… to a home on God’s celestial shore.” God is with us now, and He’ll be with us forever. So let’s live with confidence and joy—knowing we are never alone.

 

Isaiah 41:10

New International Version

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Isaiah 46:10

New International Version

10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Jude 24-25

New International Version

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

 

1 Peter 5:7

New International Version

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.