The Lord will sustain you

LW BAPTIST

By Rolland Coburn

Pastor

A school friend reading the Psalms once commented, “This guy sure had a lot of problems!”

“Can’t you identify?” I asked. “I definitely can,” he replied.

Discouragement is not unusual in the Christian life. Great people of faith like David, the psalmist, experienced it. So did Peter and Paul in the New Testament. Each of these believers had words of help for us when we feel down. For example, Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Yes, God is near, with you, always there. More help comes in Psalms 40:1 and 145:18. “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” The Bible says he wants us to come to him at the throne of grace. He is ready and waiting, and hearing every prayer. The New Testament reinforces these promises with the assurance that God is faithful and true to his Word. “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” 1 Thessalonians 5:24. Both testaments remind us of our Lord’s tender care. “Casting all your care on Him, because He cares for you,” 1 Peter 5:7. “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken,” Isa 55:22. “The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down,” Psalm 145:14.

One of the church’s songwriters lyricizes these thoughts: “He is always there hearing every prayer faithful and true/ Walking by our side in His love we hide, all the day through/ When you get discouraged just remember what to do/ Reach out to Jesus, he’s reaching out to you,” (Ralph Carmichael).

If you know the tune, sing it to yourself. We all need the promise.