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 NIV
WOW! This Scripture blows me away. These Words from God reach into the deepest parts of my heart. As children of God, we are lambs, the flock of Jesus (the Good Shepard). This verse informs us that JESUS CHRIST gathers US into HIS ARMS. Let that sink in. Let His love, peace, and comfort wash over you and consume you like a tidal wave.
He gathers all of His Children, and gently carries us through the storms in our lives. He shields us from the pain, from the crashing waves, from the stormy nights. Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the MORNING (Psalm 30:5). Keep in mind, though, that He is with you during those weepy nights. The Word of God says that He counts the tears of the righteous. The next line in this verse says that Jesus carries His Children CLOSE TO HIS HEART. How wonderful it is to know how deeply loved we are! How wonderful it is to close your eyes and picture JESUS carrying you close to HIS HEART... And He really is. He cares for your every hurt, want, and need. God always makes a way for His people, even if He has to part the Red Sea to do so (Exodus 14). The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who,are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Oh, His love for us is so deep, wide, long! May we have the power to grasp the depth and height and width of His infinite love!!
"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. "
-- Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
So whether you're going through a storm or in a happy season that you never want to end, remember that God Himself is carrying you close to His Heart: today, tomorrow, and forevermore! His all-consuming Love never ends! His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
In the Love of Christ,
Rachel Marie
