Some books land in your lap at just the right time. That’s what happened when I read Gentle and Lowly, The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers, by Dane Ortlund.[i] My granddaughter recommended the book, but it wasn’t until it was offered by our women’s ministry at church last fall that I signed up to read and discuss it.
You know a book was worth the read when it lingers with you long after you close the cover for the last time. So it was with Gentle and Lowly. Ortlund takes the verse in Matthew 11:29 where Jesus says, “I am gentle and lowly at heart,” and makes it the basis of a whole book drawing the reader closer to the heart of the Savior. He points out that within all four gospel accounts of the life of Jesus this is the only place where Jesus describes the condition of His heart. From those seven words come a wealth of encouragement and love for those who trust in Him.
Of course, the book includes references to many other relevant Scripture verses and also presents quotes from some of the most articulate and insightful writers of the past: men like Thomas Goodwin, John Bunyan and Charles Spurgeon. I probably won’t ever get around to reading their collected works, but I’m grateful for the exposure I got to their deep theological understanding in Gentle and Lowly.
As we came in to the Christmas season I realized so many of the words in the old familiar carols had more meaning because of Ortlund’s book. The story of Christmas is the story of a gentle, helpless baby being born in a lowly manger on a mission to save us all. In “O Little Town of Bethlehem” we sang, “No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” How blessed are those who are meek enough to welcome Him in to their hearts.
The strains of “O Holy Night” brought more passages from the book to mind. “His law is love and His gospel is peace.” Yes, Lord, I want to fall on my knees before You. Your love is never-ending. You long to pour out Your love for us. And You are forever the desperately needed Prince of Peace.
What will I bring in to the new year from this focus on the heart of Jesus? That He is neither surprised nor repelled by my sin, but that when I sin His heart pours out not condemnation, because that score has been settled, but understanding, compassion, mercy and forgiveness.
And in those times in 2026 when I might feel unworthy, invisible, washed up, and useless, His heart will reveal how He sees me—as a beautiful daughter of the King, a soul with a reservation in heaven, and a friend of His. He won’t let me disparage or discount one of His friends, not for a second.
Then there’s the suffering. We all pray the new year will be void of the kind of pain we’ve endured in the past, but we don’t know. What we can be sure of is that Jesus, because of His sacrifice for us, is acquainted with our pain, relates to our suffering, and will be with us in the middle of it to hold us close to His heart and get us through it.
I realize this is heavier than most of my posts, but just as I need to clean off my desk before I can work productively, I needed to share what was on my heart before writing anything else. Needless to say, I recommend Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. The cover is beautiful! The chapters are short enough to add one or two to your daily devotions, and the truth you learn about the heart of Jesus will stay with you always.
Happy New Year!
[i] Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2020).
One of your best posts ever!!! You spoke to the yearnings of my heart as we go into 2026. Profundity at its best! Thank you for digging in and sharing what we all need to hear! This walk with the Lord is not for sissies, the gentle and lowly are not sissies, but VICTORS because of the example of our Savior, our Shepherd’s humility AND strength!
Absolutely, Kathy! I just need that reminder ever so often.
Thank you Nancy for sharing this book with me!
You’re so welcome. As I said, it came to me at just the right time so realize not everyone may have the reaction I did but feel sure it will touch you in some way.
Nancy, this came just when I needed it, as your blogs so often do. Thanks!
Thank you, Peggy. Hope you are entering the new year feeling well and productive as always!
As I relate to the black sheep on the cover 😊, I’ve got the book on order!
But of course! Hope you enjoy it, Jan.
Happy New Year, Nancy! I always look forward to your posts. And, I always appreciate a good book recommendation. Thank you for both!
You are so welcome, Tanya, I hope you get a chance to read it and that it blesses you at least half as much as it did me.
I am already looking for the book!! Your essay was wonderful!
Miss you,
Jimmie
Oh good, Jimmie. I hope you like it but I realize at least part of my response to it was the timing for me. Miss you too!
Thank you, Nancy. Your guidance is always spot-on and loving. Thank you for your insight. I just ordered it, and it will be next on my reading list. May God bless you and your family this year!
Thank you, Susan! I heard you headed south. Hope you have a relaxing winter and maybe get in some writing time. 🙂
Nancy, you are writings are always so enriching and in a timely manner. Happy New year to you and Jim. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Happy New Year to you and yours, Kay! Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for the fragrant, tender, beauteous bouquet, Nancy. May we never forget. May we be encouraged to treat others likewise, no matter how hard!
Yes, Alice. All we can give in response to Him is our best on any given day! Thank you.
Nancy, thank you, thank you! As beautiful daughters of the King, I love that Jesus is our compassionate, merciful friend who modeled everything we ever need to know about being gentle, lowly, loving and peace-filled. Bless you for always blessing us with your words of wisdom, hope, laughter and purpose.
You’re so welcome, Beth. As you know it feels good to get encouragement for our writing. Not one day at a time but one word at a time! To Him be the glory.