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Sometimes we need a reminder, a gentle reminder about how God is leading us, especially in motherhood. Isaiah 40:11 is the perfect illustration for mom’s about God’s hand on them as they raise their babies!

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

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard this verse until my mom sent it to me. I’ve been scouring the Bible for verses about motherhood but this one never comes up when searching for “mom” or “mother.” And yet it is such a beautiful verse. An illustration about the Shepherd who leads us!

It is such a wonderful reminder for moms about how God leads them and how He will care for their children.

We Are Sheep

There are many references to Jesus being our Shepherd in the Bible (Psalm 23) and we can draw the parallel that as humans we are like sheep. There are many similarities between a flock of sheep and a group of humans.

So when we read a verse like Isaiah 40:11, even though it is talking about sheep, we know this is how God treats us.

I love the image of God carrying our children. Picturing my boys walking with Him, talking His ear off, brings a smile to my face. I know Jesus would be listening intently to everything they are saying and filling their inquisitive minds with His wisdom.

He doesn’t just walk with His lambs though, he gathers them in His arms. He protects them, cares for them and ensures they are safe.

God’s Leading is Gentle

I’m not here to talk about just our children though. I’m here to encourage moms. Sometimes it’s okay to set aside the things we are doing and consider God’s plan for our lives. And the last part of the verse is the most wonderful reminder for moms. The fact that He gently leads us.

I read every translation available for this verse and most of them said “gently lead those with young” but some said “nursing ewes,” or “ewes with young.” Regardless, they all said “gently.”

In other words, God knows how hard this job of motherhood is. He knows how tired we are. He knows nursing mother’s are awake more than they sleep and their bodies have reached the physical limits and still continued on.

He knows mothers with toddlers have lived a thousands deaths as they watched their children vault from a couch or insist on climbing a hill alone. He knows mothers with teenagers lay awake waiting for the car door to close and the lock in the door to turn.

He knows all of this and because of it, He gently leads us. He carries our older children in His arms while we care for the babies. He restores our soul with His rest. He gives us grace when we feel weak.

He gently leads us.

Find Rest in His Gentle Leading

I talk about God giving us rest, on the days when we ask “when do I get a break?” It is God who will refuel us. We find rest in His presence (Exodus 33:14).

And His ways are gentle. He is all powerful, a consuming fire, the mighty warrior and yet His gentleness is what gives us the strength to be the mom He created us to be. His quiet love that fills our cups is what allows us to fill our children.

So on the days when you feel tired, when you want to sleep, when you ache for a moment to yourself, remember who is leading you. And not leading you like a commander leads an army, a leader who is a shepherd. Whose gentleness carries your children and brings you into green pastures where you can care for your little ones in peace.

Our Shepherd. Our comforter. Our God. Our gentle leader.

With God as your gentle leader, you can do all things. Bring His presence and leadership into your home by praying over your space. Make the declaration that your home is built on the solid rock and is unmovable. Give your family the foundation of God’s word in their lives, by praying protection, peace and strength over everyone. Grab the 30-day guide to get started HERE.