GOD SUSTAINS US

May 16, 2022

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary gives multiple meanings for the word “sustain.” All of this and a thousand times more describe what God does for those who trust Him.

1. To bear; to uphold; to support; as, a foundation sustains the superstructure; pillars sustain an edifice.
2. To hold; to keep from falling; as, a rope sustains a weight.
3. To support; to keep from sinking in despondence. The hope of a better life sustains the afflicted amidst all their sorrows.
4. To maintain; to keep alive; to support; to subsist; as provisions to sustain a family or an army.

The beauty of David’s confession in Psalm 3 is that it is so personal. “He sustains me” contains two pronouns indicating the intimacy of God’s care.

IN THE BATTLE

King David had reason to use this word, for enemies surrounded him. Life was hard, and his responsibilities were overwhelming. For David to wake up in the morning was in itself evidence of God’s care. He acknowledged God as the source of this sustaining.

It’s true of us, whether we acknowledge it humbly or not. It is the Lord who gives us breath. In Him we “live and move and have our being.” Our pride blinds our eyes to this simple reality. But every morning that we arise is testimony to the One who “never sleeps nor slumbers,” watching over us and holding us up by His strong right hand. And it is His sustaining that carries us throughout the common day.

Our lives would be filled with greater gratitude and gladness if we realized and confessed this more often. Our eyes would be more open to see the depth of heaven’s activity on our behalf.

IN THE BURDENS

But it often takes a burden to push us to this understanding. When life is crushing us down, when it seems harder to breathe, we realize our deficiencies (which were always there). At that point, we have two options: carry the burden alone or do what God has invited us to do … do what David did under tremendous pressure and responsibility.

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)

Like a wrestler casting his opponent to the ground, release your burden to Him. He will bear, hold, support, and maintain your weight on your behalf. You will discover that underneath you are the everlasting arms, inexhaustible in strength. You will be supported with what no one else can supply and awed by the intimacy God affords and the perfection of His care.

Father, thank You for sustaining me through the night. For watching over me in ways I will never comprehend until heaven. Give me the humility to rely upon You. To trust You when I am overwhelmed and when I’m not. To praise You always for Your sustaining hand.

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