Times of heartache will find us in the folds of our Shepherd’s garment. Never are we more aware of His embrace than when “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (Isa. 40:11, NIV).

With tender touch, He bends down to where we have fallen and leans in close so we can hear His voice. His comfort and compassion quiet us. Stroking away our fears and collecting our tears, His sovereignty assures us.

Gently, with the strength of the Savior, He scoops us up, weary and weak as we are, and holds us close to His heart. That’s where He wants us to be.

As we are carried, may we turn our faces upward and say: “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need thy tender care” (Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us). We call out to our good Shepherd who understands our needs because He Himself was once the Lamb.

We are never so sad that He can’t comfort, never so afraid that He can’t calm, never so hurt that He can’t heal, never so weak that He can’t strengthen, never so alone that He can’t befriend, never so lost that He can’t find.

Healing and hope arise as our Shepherd carries us to accomplish His will.

Today, as you are carried by the Shepherd, “May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep… equip you with all that is good to do His will” (Heb. 13:20-21).