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

Isaiah 40 speaks of the power and might of God with amazing clarity. Estimates hold that the observable universe is 45 billion light years across, and yet, according to Isaiah, that is only like the breadth of God’s hand. Ultimately, though, comparing the infinite God to the finiteness of this universe—as expansive as it is—would be futile.

Even so, when we consider that the almighty God scoops up his people in his arms and carries them like lambs, close to his heart, we are moved to marvel at his gentle love. Knowing that God has written our names on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16) and that he sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17) as he carries us along is comforting beyond words.

Today some of us need to experience the comfort of our gentle God. Reading of his gentle loving care is a good start. However, God’s gentleness is experienced in an incarnational way (in the flesh) when we treat others with the gentleness that God has shown us.

In what ways can you show gentleness to everyone around you today?

Father, you are infinite and almighty. We are small and weak. You pick us up in your arms, and you love us and bless us. May we find shelter in your love today, and may we be shelter for people who are hurting. In Jesus, Amen.