God the Sustainer
God the Sustainer
The concept of God as the Sustainer is a profound aspect of His nature, highlighting His active role in maintaining and upholding all of creation. Instead of being a distant creator, God engages with His creation, providing the necessary support and resources for all living things to flourish. Knowing God as the one who Sustains all things brings comfort and assurance, reinforcing one’s faith in His continual provision and care.
Perhaps there is no greater scripture that illustrates God’s sustaining power is Colossians 1:17, which states, “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” This verse emphasizes that God not only created the universe but also actively holds it together. The term “consist” implies that God is the sustaining force of all existence, ensuring that everything remains in harmony and function. Without His sustaining power, creation would unravel, reminding us that our very existence relies on His continual engagement.
God is not just the creator He is the sustainer. God sustains His people through His provision. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus says, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Here, Jesus highlights God's care for all living things, illustrating that He actively sustains even the smallest creatures. This assurance extends to all who believe and obey, encouraging them to trust in God’s provision for their needs. If God cares for the birds, how much more will He provide for His children?
In Psalm 55:22, The psalmist offers comfort in God's sustaining support: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” This verse emphasizes God’s readiness to bear our burdens and provide stability to our lives. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, we are reminded that we can bring our worries and struggles to God, who promises to sustain us through difficult times (Romans 8:28).
Not only does God sustain us through difficult times, but God sustains us spiritually through His Word. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus responds to Satan, saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” We learn from this the importance of spiritual nourishment, affirming that God’s Word sustains our souls. An active engagement with Scripture helps believers grow in their faith and remain anchored in God’s truth.
God’s sustaining nature is also beautifully expressed in Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This promise assures believers that God is aware of their needs and will provide for them according to His abundant resources. In times of scarcity or uncertainty, this verse serves as a reminder that God is a generous Provider, committed to sustaining His people.
>PS. This week, take a moment each day to reflect on a specific aspect of creation that you often overlook. Write it down along with a prayer to God expressing your gratitude to Him for His provision in your life and the world around you. This will give you something to reference in the future to help strengthen your relationship with God.