Everyone had admired Jill for her intelligence and drive. Her Cambridge science degree led to a PhD, which in turn led to a successful career in the oil industry by her thirties. When she had children, however, she stepped back and entered a season of ‘hiddenness’, where her work and service was very much in the background, unnoticed. Though this was a dry season for her spiritually, she clung to Isaiah 40:11, “he gently leads those that have young.” Looking back, she explained it was a comfort to think God has compassion on those exhausted from parenting, “that he leads us gently”.
We all have seasons where we feel overlooked, ‘hidden’ from the world, or perhaps forgotten by God, which leads to being spiritually dry and weary. The nation of Judah certainly knew this when they were exiled in Babylon because of their sin. Here in Isaiah, God announces the end of the exile to spiritually depleted people, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem” (Isaiah 40:1–2). They would return to Jerusalem smoothly (vv. 3–5), and they could trust this good news (vv. 6–10 ) because “the word of our God endures for ever” (v. 8).
Whenever we feel exhausted, spiritually dry, or hidden, we can come to our Lord who “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (v. 11) and enter God’s tender, gentle embrace.
By Tanya Marlow
REFLECT & PRAY
What are the struggles and blessings of being ‘hidden’ from the world for a season? What do you need God to carry you in today?
Loving and tender God, my Shepherd and Guide, please be with me today. Comfort me and carry me, I pray.
The theme of shepherds and sheep is repeated in Isaiah’s prophecies. In Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah paints a picture of God Himself as the loving, caring Shepherd of Israel. In 38:12, the prophet quotes King Hezekiah referring to his own dwelling as a “shepherd’s tent”; and in 44:28, God surprisingly refers to the conquering King Cyrus as God’s own shepherd! Finally, in 63:11 the people reflect on God’s care for their ancestors in the wilderness and long for that care afresh. Isaiah captures four different speakers (himself, Hezekiah, God, the people) using the imagery of a shepherd in very different ways, no doubt because it was a word picture that would resonate with people living in an agricultural culture where sheep and shepherds were common sights. This imagery of shepherds and their care for their flocks reminded the people of their need for that same care from their God.
Bill Crowder
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