When I was little, I loved having Daddy put me on his shoulders, especially if we were swimming in a pool. Maybe you remember a parent carrying you to bed when you were sick or had fallen asleep in the car. When Corrie, our yellow lab, could no longer negotiate steps, Larry had to carry her outside. There are times in life we still need to be carried.

God Will Carry His Lambs

The biblical depictions of God carrying us summon happy thoughts of peace and security. This image was first presented to me at a baby shower for my second child when the hostess shared Isaiah 40:11.

“He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young” (Isaiah 40:11 NLT).

Picturing God carrying my baby close to His heart and gently leading me as a young mother warmed me.

God Will Carry His Loved Ones

After struggling through some seasons of short paychecks, I believe God had my Bible app stick on Deuteronomy 33. Each morning I’d click on the app expecting it to start where it had ended the day before. Instead, it replayed the same chapter several days in a row. My hands were usually engaged by the time it started reading so I figured God had a message for me I hadn’t yet heard.

While singing worship songs one morning a verse in the passage finally opened for me. I saw the good shepherd with a lamb wrapped around His shoulders. God let me know I could rest secure in Him. I was the lamb He carried between His shoulders.

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV).

The following day my Bible app magically became unstuck and progressed to the next chapter.

God Will Carry Our Burdens

Most of us are familiar with Jesus’s invitation to bring Him our worries and burdens. He promises to take them—if we’ll leave them with Him.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’” (Matthew 11:28 NLT).

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT).

When I continue to feel burdened, it means I haven’t fully released my load or I’ve taken something back. I find I must release some cares over and over again.

God Will Carry Us Through Old Age

Last time we looked at God’s faithfulness as we age. Knowing He won’t leave us when we’re old and frail or when, in the world’s eyes, we’re no longer as “useful,” provides hope and confidence for the future. He walks beside us to catch us when we stumble and carry us when we’re too weak to carry ourselves (Psalm 37:24).

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4 NLT).

May we never lose our childlike faith. Our weight never strains our heavenly Father’s strong arms and shoulders.

How have you experienced God carry you? Comment here.

Blessings,

Resources

Need help trusting God with your burdens and life? Check our our Resource Page and Bible studies. For one-on-one support, contact Lighthouse Ministries.

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