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I have several friends facing health issues right now, ranging from serious to life threatening.  As I was praying this morning, the word “sustain” came to mind.  I decided to go do a word search on that word to see what I would find in God’s Word.

What I found was a tremendous blessing to me, and I pray it will be for my friends (and others) who are all facing difficult circumstances right now.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.  Psalm 55:22  

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

The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, You restore him to health.  Psalm 41:3  

By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; my praise is continually of You.  Psalm 71:6  

Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.  Psalm 119:116   

The LORD sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down.  Psalm 145:14

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:12

The definitions of the word “sustain” are stunning:

  • To support, to refresh, to hold, to uphold, to bear, to maintain, to assist, to relieve, to aid, to comfort, to strengthen, to establish
  • To endure without failing or yielding, to keep from falling
  • To ‘stay the heart’
  • It is used of energizing people, aiding them, refreshing them with nourishment or with rest and food
  • It described the strength and support of God’s hand on a person

The Hebrew word is translated in these ways:  uphold, comfort, establish, help, strengthen, hold and refresh.

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.

HE SUSTAINS!