Our Shepherd

Isaiah 40:11

He will feed His flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in His arms,

holding them close to His heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

A shepherd lovingly tends to his flock. He leads them to green pastures, searching out places with abundant grazing. When pasture is scarce, he provides food himself. He ensures they have clean water. He keeps watch, always alert to danger. He protects. He treats injuries. He walks the safe paths and guides them along the way.

When a lamb is too small or weak to walk, he doesn’t drive it forward. He picks it up—both arms wrapped around it, cradling it close to his chest. That is a deliberate act of safety, of security, of affection. And then this: He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

This line is so specific—and so deeply comforting. Jesus knows the weight that mothers carry.

He knows the exhaustion of tending to babies, toddlers, and children, often while juggling other responsibilities. And what does He do? He leads.

That means I don’t have to have it all figured out. I don’t have to make every decision alone.

Sometimes it feels like decision-making is all I do. At work, at home—what to cook, when to clean, when to shop, what to feed my family for every single meal (plus snacks!). It’s constant.

It’s draining.

But this verse gives me hope: He leads. He doesn’t shove. He doesn’t rush. He leads—gently. Kindly. Patiently.

And if I follow, He promises rest.

He carries the weak. He strengthens the tired. He refreshes my soul with His presence and His Word.

- Stacey Beck