God's Gentle Leading - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year : Psalms 29-30, Acts 23:1-15

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.
Isaiah 40:11

Today's Scripture & Insight : Isaiah 40:1-11

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.