Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "sustains" in the Bible refers to God's provision, support, and maintenance of His creation and His people. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's ongoing involvement in the world and His care for His children.Divine Provision and Support God's sustaining power is evident from the very beginning of creation. In Genesis, God not only creates the world but also maintains it. Psalm 104:14-15 highlights this ongoing provision: "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart." Here, God's sustenance is seen in the natural order, providing for both human and animal needs. Sustaining the Righteous The Bible frequently emphasizes God's special care for the righteous. In Psalm 55:22 , believers are encouraged to "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." This verse reassures the faithful that God will uphold them through life's challenges, providing strength and stability. Similarly, Isaiah 46:4 declares God's commitment to His people: "Even to your old age, I will be the same, and even to your graying years, I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you." This promise underscores God's unchanging nature and His enduring support throughout the entirety of a believer's life. Sustaining Through Trials The sustaining power of God is also evident in times of trial and difficulty. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , the Apostle Paul recounts God's assurance to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Here, God's sustaining grace is portrayed as sufficient to carry believers through their weaknesses and struggles. The Book of Job provides a profound narrative of God's sustaining presence amid suffering. Despite losing everything, Job acknowledges God's sovereignty and sustenance, ultimately declaring in Job 42:2 , "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted." Sustaining Through Christ In the New Testament, the sustaining work of God is often linked to Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:17 states, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse affirms Christ's role in sustaining the universe, emphasizing His divine nature and authority. Furthermore, Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." This passage highlights Christ's active role in maintaining creation and His divine power to sustain all things. Daily Sustenance The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:11 , includes the petition, "Give us this day our daily bread." This request acknowledges God's role in providing for daily needs, reminding believers to rely on Him for sustenance in every aspect of life. In summary, the theme of sustenance in the Bible encompasses God's provision, support, and maintenance of His creation and His people. Through His power and grace, God sustains the universe, upholds the righteous, and provides for His children, demonstrating His faithfulness and love throughout Scripture. Greek 2316. theos -- God, a god ... Gen 1 - 3). [Long before the NT was written, 2316 () referred to the supreme being who and sustains all things.]. Word Origin of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2316.htm - 7k 5050. teleiosis -- completion, perfection 951. bebaiosis -- confirmation Strong's Hebrew 5564. samak -- to lean, lay, rest, support... siege (1), lay (17), lean (1), leans (3), relied (1), rested (1), steadfast (1), support (1), sustain (3), sustained (2), sustainer (1), sustains (3), upheld (4 ... /hebrew/5564.htm - 6k 5582. saad -- to support, sustain, stay 1961. hayah -- to fall out, come to pass, become, be Library Organ Sustains Chords in Recitations The Christian's God The Holy Spirit's Intercession The Relation of Home to the Church. Job The Cloud of Witnesses Food for the Lambs. Christ to Jairus Practical Observations. How a Soul in Charity Makes Progress in It. Thesaurus Sustains (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Sustains (11 Occurrences). ... Psalms 3:5 I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ... /s/sustains.htm - 9k Sustain (28 Occurrences) Sustainer (2 Occurrences) Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence) Unchangeable (4 Occurrences) Sustenance (11 Occurrences) Upholds (12 Occurrences) Mount (311 Occurrences) Perdition (14 Occurrences) Backbone (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the aseity of God? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the True Vine” (John 15:1)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sustains (11 Occurrences)Leviticus 13:24 Psalms 3:5 Psalms 18:35 Psalms 37:17 Psalms 41:3 Psalms 54:4 Psalms 104:15 Psalms 145:14 Psalms 146:9 Proverbs 18:14 Isaiah 50:4 Subtopics Related Terms |