God is our Sustainer 

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I can distinctly remember three instances when I was younger when I lied to my parents and got caught. I’m sure there were more, but these three times are seared into my memory and my conscience. When what I had done came to light, I felt guilty, ashamed, and ultimately, helpless.

Though we no longer live under the condemnation of sin and death, we still live in a broken and fallen world where there are real consequences to our sinful actions. When we choose to act on, think about or desire things that are contrary to God’s holy righteousness, we can find ourselves in difficult situations that infiltrate all areas of our lives. The psalmist understood this reality. He was physically devastated, desperate for God’s kindness and remembrance, and on the edge of despair. And yet, he knew that if God’s answer to our troubles was dependent on our right standing, there would be no hope. So instead of appealing to man’s strength, he says, “Deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.” God intervenes on our behalf because of HIS character, not ours. Because of His grace, not our goodness. He sustains our every breath because of His praise, not our performance. 

God does not magically make our difficulties disappear. This psalm doesn’t end with a 3-step solution. It ends with a man with a shifted perspective. Once again, God has drawn near. He has turned and heard from Heaven, choosing to sustain us through that which should separate us. God is our great sustainer.