Days often come when you feel alone in your job as a wife and mother. The events of those days test you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You feel down, discouraged, overwhelmed, unappreciated, tired, attacked, inadequate, and alone. In these times of need, where does your help come from?
Isaiah 40 is probably best known for the passage that talks about how, if one hopes in the Lord, he will “soar with wings as eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint”. Most people meditate on this section of Scripture for words of inspiration and comfort, without looking at it in context and as a whole. Yes, that section speaks hope and peace, but there is so much more to be seen! This entire chapter was designed by God to be spoken to Jerusalem through His prophet, Isaiah. It spoke to them by comforting and forgiving them; telling them to prepare for His Son’s coming; addressing their concerns of uncertain times and the promises yet to come; and finally, He was portrayed as the ever comforting Shepherd.
Isaiah was instructed to speak peace and comfort to Jerusalem in the midst of great national tragedy. God spoke peace and words of comfort to His beloved people. As their Father and supreme comforter, He wanted them to prepare their hearts for their Messiah – the Comforter in human form. He wanted them to know that He had heard their fearful cries and He gave them promises of hope, as He clearly demonstrated his actions as a Shepherd who cared for the concerns and well-being of His sheep. He was God, Father, Comforter, Shepherd, and Friend to His beloved. And so He is to you today!
During your times of trials as a mother of children and teens, remember this…
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11
Your Shepherd is there for you always! He promises to gently lead you as you lead your young ones in your care. Look to your shepherd and lead your flock in peace!
To be honest, your opening paragraph kind of describes the day I had YESTERDAY. And quite frankly, if not for my Lord and Savior, I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten through it as well as I did. I feel Him leading me, and it’s a most comforting feeling!
Great post! Thanks, Lisa!
Thank you Lisa….sometimes in the chaos of a day when exhaustion takes over, I tend to get a little short….with my time spent, my words and my actions. Thank you for the reminder to look to my shepherd and lead my flock in peace!
Blessings,
~Kerri
Thank you so much for pointing out how He leads those with young! I know I’ve read it many times before, but it never stood out to me. I really needed this today!