“He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead those that are with young.”

God almighty is tender and gracious. He is merciful, kind, and generous. He’s the perfect God for the afflicted, the helpless, and the needy.

First, He knows that we are nothing, and He must do all the work. He’s not put off by this: He is glorified. Jer 9:23-24, This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”

Secondly, He will gently lead and carry! Matt 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He is not a rough man and a brute. He shows Himself strong in salvation, after He’s shown Himself strong in affliction. Isa 40:10, “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.” Matthew Poole wrote elsewhere, “God here speaks of himself after the manner of men, and compareth himself to a tender-hearted father, who when he hath corrected his child for his misdemeanor, relenteth and repenteth of his severity, and casteth his rod away.”

Thirdly, He supplies us with the Holy Spirit. The difference in men is the Holy Spirit, and there is nothing else to change a self-centered man into a man of faith. He is the One that made Charles Spurgeon mighty, or he’d be brilliant without a broken heart. The Spirit is the difference maker: without Him, we cannot see God, praise God, or love with joy; without Him, peace is lacking, our conscience is confused, and we are doubtful. With Him, we are happy, scriptures open, and the mind is quick: He provides us with all that we need to say, feel, and think.

Fourthly, let us praise God. Let’s not pretend as if we’re big and strong, but acknowledge where strength comes from. He only helps the weak and needy, so we don’t have to pretend. Let’s not walk around like tough guys, but take our place among the meek and lowly. We have obtained mercy, and we did nothing; it is all of the Lord. He guided us, led us, and He gave us faith. He quickened us and revived us Himself.

Fifthly, we shall make it! We have the strength and the protection that we need, because He helps us. WE DON'T HAVE TO FEAR. We cast our fears and our sins upon the Lord, confessing them openly, honestly, and fully. We find His sufficiency and take courage that He will keep us faithful and preserve us to the end. No longer do we look to self despairingly! He is sufficient! He is enough! Jude 24-25, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.”