NOT ASHAMED...?

HAVE YOU EVER thought about life as a sheep? They aren't exactly glamorous, but they are certainly valued! Good shepherds lay down their lives for their sheep. I am thinking of a shepherd who retrieves a lamb which is in trouble, or is having a hard time 'keeping up' with the others. We have all seen pictures of Him with a lamb draped around his neck. How assuring this is. That lamb is being cared for and has no need to be ashamed of its 'neediness.'  Then, of course, I think of the well-known, FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND poem I refer to often.  In this, the person asks the Lord why there was only one set of footprints in the sand after there had been two sets while Jesus walked next to him.. Our Lord answers, "It was then I carried you.."  What a wondrous life we live as we are cared for by HIM! Let’s see what He says about his intentions to carry us!

                 “Dear one, you may “feel” down, but I’m here to lift you up!

                   Not only that, I will fill your cup!

                   I’d noticed it was nearly empty, so I’m pouring in Me!

                   I’m giving my breath of LIFE to fill you to the brim.

           This way, when you’re ‘bumped,’ others will say,“She lives for Him!” 

                     It’s a joy to provide my Spirit-driven power,

                    as you function throughout your challenging hour. 

          Since my arms are strong, let me carry you along.

          I’ll hold you closely, as your soul erupts in song!

          You’ll no longer yield to that heaviness

                       experienced in moments of weakness.

          Discouragement vanishes as I replace despair with my                                 strength,  delightfully carrying you the full length!”                              Isaiah 40:11 presents the picture of our perfect Shepherd caring for us.. "He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." Remember, we are to have childlike openness to his offerings to us.. We are not to be proud or stubborn..saying, "I can do it myself!" He created us to need and to desire.  Isaiah 46:4 confirms, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you." Exodus 19:4, Psalm 103:5, and Isaiah 40:31 all refer to the familiar joy of being 'lifted up on wings of eagles,' as He empowers us to be carried up above our troubles.  He is the 'wind beneath our wings,' if one prefers to think of his compassion and power pictured thusly.                                                                                                                        Exodus 1:31 reminds us, 'In the desert, the Israelites saw how the LORD carried them as a father carries his children all the way' until they reach the intended place. Are you welcoming his tender, loving care for you as the dailyness of living goes on? I sure try to!