Carried Close to God’s Heart Isaiah 40: 11
The other day, I was standing outside my home checking out the Christmas decor we had started to set up when a child and his father walked by. The child, about three years old, was running and fell on the ground. Immediately, the father rushed to him, picked him up, and held him close. The child’s tears quickly subsided as he nestled into his father’s arms, feeling safe and loved. Watching this tender moment reminded me of how God, our Heavenly Father, responds to us. When we stumble and fall, God is quick to gather us into God’s arms, holding us close and reassuring us with God’s presence. This is a glimpse of how God’s love envelops us in our moments of vulnerability and need.
Delving deeper into this thought, drawing from Isaiah 40:11 is a verse that beautifully illustrates God’s tender care for God’s children. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I’ve carried you close to My heart, says the Lord. This immense comfort comes from having a loving Shepherd who leads and guides us, providing us with the profound security and peace found in the Shepherd’s care. Just as a shepherd attentively tends to his flock, our God ensures that no need goes unnoticed and no fear goes unanswered.
Imagine the scene: a shepherd walking through rugged terrain, a tiny lamb cradled close to his chest. Today, our rugged terrain may be navigating personal struggles such as financial hardships, health challenges, or broken relationships. It might be the uncertainty of a shifting job market, the pressures of social media, or the pervasive anxiety that comes with global crises. During these difficulties, God’s love remains steadfast and God’s arms are ever ready to carry us. The lamb is completely at peace, utterly dependent on the strong yet gentle arms that carry it. This is how God holds us. We’re the lambs in God’s bosom, safe and cherished, even in life’s most challenging moments.
This image highlights our need for God. Like the lamb, we are often helpless and vulnerable, unable to navigate life’s challenges on our own. Yet, our Shepherd is ever-present, ready to lift us up when we stumble and to carry us when we are too weary to walk.
Consider how a shepherd carries, feeds, and leads his flock. God’s care is holistic, providing for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. God leads us into greener pastures, sustains us with God’s Word, and gives us rest when we are overwhelmed.
Reflection:
Pray with me: Father, thank You for being our Shepherd and carrying us when we feel weak. Help us trust Your love and guidance, even when we can't see the path ahead. May we rest in the assurance that we are never alone, for You are always near. Teach us to reflect Your tenderness to others so they know Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Meditate on Isaiah 40:11 today. Picture yourself as the lamb in the arms of your Shepherd. Let this image remind you of God’s constant care and God’s promise to never leave you. Share this encouragement with someone who needs to feel God’s love and nearness.
Written by Rev. Kay Dubuisson
Delving deeper into this thought, drawing from Isaiah 40:11 is a verse that beautifully illustrates God’s tender care for God’s children. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I’ve carried you close to My heart, says the Lord. This immense comfort comes from having a loving Shepherd who leads and guides us, providing us with the profound security and peace found in the Shepherd’s care. Just as a shepherd attentively tends to his flock, our God ensures that no need goes unnoticed and no fear goes unanswered.
Imagine the scene: a shepherd walking through rugged terrain, a tiny lamb cradled close to his chest. Today, our rugged terrain may be navigating personal struggles such as financial hardships, health challenges, or broken relationships. It might be the uncertainty of a shifting job market, the pressures of social media, or the pervasive anxiety that comes with global crises. During these difficulties, God’s love remains steadfast and God’s arms are ever ready to carry us. The lamb is completely at peace, utterly dependent on the strong yet gentle arms that carry it. This is how God holds us. We’re the lambs in God’s bosom, safe and cherished, even in life’s most challenging moments.
This image highlights our need for God. Like the lamb, we are often helpless and vulnerable, unable to navigate life’s challenges on our own. Yet, our Shepherd is ever-present, ready to lift us up when we stumble and to carry us when we are too weary to walk.
Consider how a shepherd carries, feeds, and leads his flock. God’s care is holistic, providing for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. God leads us into greener pastures, sustains us with God’s Word, and gives us rest when we are overwhelmed.
Reflection:
- Do you see yourself as the lamb in this verse? What does being carried close to God’s heart mean to you?
- In what ways has God gently led you through difficult seasons?
- How can you extend the Shepherd’s care to others who may feel lost or burdened?
Pray with me: Father, thank You for being our Shepherd and carrying us when we feel weak. Help us trust Your love and guidance, even when we can't see the path ahead. May we rest in the assurance that we are never alone, for You are always near. Teach us to reflect Your tenderness to others so they know Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Meditate on Isaiah 40:11 today. Picture yourself as the lamb in the arms of your Shepherd. Let this image remind you of God’s constant care and God’s promise to never leave you. Share this encouragement with someone who needs to feel God’s love and nearness.
Written by Rev. Kay Dubuisson
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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