I have hidden Thy word in my heart.

Zechariah 1-2. Chapter one of Zechariah is so amazing because God feels personal (not that He doesn’t always). “The Lord was very angry with your forefathers. Therefore tell the people: this is what the Lord Almighty says, ‘Return to Me’, declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” His words are like that of a friend. He says, “I was angry because you didn’t listen”. “You didn’t hear or obey when I was trying to protect you, so in my anger I turned away”. I have had those kinds of conversations with friends. I have had to say, “Look we aren’t seeing eye to eye”. “Our goals don’t match”. “I think we need some time apart”. God in Chapter One explains Himself, explains His previous actions, and then offers a truce. He offers them a chance to accomplish what their forefathers couldn’t. “Return to me, and I will return to you”. In Chapter Two Zechariah continues his conversation with God and His angel. However, Chapter Two contains the most beautiful sentence I have ever read. Zechariah is speaking with The Angel of the Lord who is explaining to him what he is seeing (Zechariah had a vision). Then the angel says, “For whoever touches you touches the apple of God’s eye” (Verse 8). My translation, whoever dares to harm God’s elect, dares to harm GOD.  God continues the thought by saying, “Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion, for I am coming and I will live among you”.  Having a bad day? Feeling unloved? Unwanted? Under-appreciated? Remember this, you are the apple of God’s eye…He is always with you.