DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Lord, deal tenderly with your people. You are the blessed Shepherd! We have it concerning you that you “gather the lambs in your arms” and that you “gently lead those that are nursing” (Isaiah 40:11). Deal tenderly with them, and with all the flock; we pray that every child of yours may get a sweet refreshment. May there not be one of us that shall be without a smile for the Father’s face, and a kind gentle word dropped into our spirit by the Holy Spirit that shall sink all our fears and send us away happy.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Jesus our Savior is here described as the Lord God. Here is divinity: not the Lord, the man of war, but the Lord, the shepherd of Israel. Here is the fire of deity, but its gentle, warming influence is felt, and the consuming force is veiled. Greatness connected to gentleness and power linked with affection now stand before us. Love and mercy are joined with omnipotence and wisdom. Such is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the conquering captain of salvation, but he is gentle and lowly of heart as well.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
A Bedtime Blessing for Children
Whether your children are afraid of the dark or not, we should always encourage our children to trust God at bedtime (and at all times!). Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton is a great God-glorifying book for kids.
The book, packed full with simple rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and even more beautiful gospel-centered theology, tells the story of a little girl who is a little scared to be left alone at night. Her mother offers her the good news that our great God, the one who made the night, is near, in control, and good.
This book is one of the favorites of our family. There have been seasons when we’ve read it every night before bedtime, and my wife and I would even get it out again after bedtime to pour over the beautiful illustrations and think more about the incredible message it offers.
Why Do We Say Good Night? is a fantastic book that will help your kids trust God. I hope you will grab a copy today.