The word
SUSTAIN has several meanings:
to strengthen or support physically or mentally; to cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption;
to bear the weight of without breaking or falling; to undergo or suffer something unpleasant, especially an injury; t
o uphold, affirm or confirm the justice or validity of. A sustain in music is an effect on a keyboard whereby
a note is held long after the key is released
through the touching of a pedal. When the sustain pedal breaks, it
leaves the sound and atmosphere abrupt and disjointed, versus flowing,
calm and filling.
Have you ever prayed that the Lord would sustain you through a season of stress or strain? Once we release ourselves to Him, He can keep us going in
His strength, not ours!
David, was in the throws of anxiety because Ahitophel
his close counselor, deserted him when his son Absalom attempted a coup
on his throne. At the end of a long soliloquy expressing his anguish,
David sings,
"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." In times of great suffering and distress,
He is our vindicator, and will bring about justice on our behalf. David knew that because it had happened for his ancestors, Naomi, Ruth and Boaz.
Naomi thought that her life was over after her husband and sons died. She was so distraught she asked everyone to start calling her Mara, which means
bitter.
Life had dealt her a bad hand. She thought there was no way she was going to recover. God had another idea in mind. He would use her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth, and a near-kinsman Boaz
to redeem a hopeless situation and restore not only her, but their whole family tree.
"The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left
you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." (Ruth 4:14-15) Isaiah reiterates this truth to Israel,
"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isaiah 46:4)
Weary? Out of gas? In distress?
Ask the Lord to sustain you...and He will.
SUNDAY WORSHIP 11:00 AM
The Great RoomSUNDAY CLASSES 9:30 AM
Youth Room
225 Wyoming Ave
Cincinnati OH 45215
(Presbyterian Church of Wyoming)
513-212-1131
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