As a wordsmith, I am constantly studying the meaning and usage of words. Words matter. Not only in how they are used, but also in our responses to them.
How many of us can remember unkind words spoken to us by bullies, siblings, or even the responsible adults around us? Our childhood can be marred by verbal abuse. And we can spend our adult years seeking therapy, trying to undo the damage of those powerful words.
On the other hand, how many of us can remember a kind word spoken, an unexpected compliment, the verbal encouragement offered? Those words also stay with us throughout life and hopefully — continue to bless us.
So when we study scripture, it is important to know the meaning and history of significant words. To understand the culture and the context — even the experiences of the authors who penned those words. We must often depend on credible commentators and professional wordsmiths who can assist us in understanding the correct interpretations.
Merriam Webster’s dictionary is a credible source, and the thesaurus connected to Microsoft Word is also dependable. Plus, seeking out cross references in scripture often supplies additional insights.
The word ‘sustain’ appears in most versions of the Holy Bible and can carry the following meanings:
- Strengthen
- Support
- Comfort
- Help
- Assist
- Encourage
- Buoy up
- Give relief
- Supply
- Nourish
- Confirm
- Provide for
- Uphold
Perhaps one or more of these defining words hit the sore spot of whatever challenge you face today. If you like to journal, take that particular word as your prompt and write about it. You can also add to each word the experiences from your past that have underscored the concept of sustaining power.
King David, the poet, reminds us in Psalm 22:3 that God is present — God inhabits — the praises of his people. As we praise God for who he is and for how he sustains us, we feel him near. And isn’t it a beautiful reminder to know our God is near, sustaining us through the hard places in life?
Shameless Promotion: The post above is an excerpt from Sustain Us, oh Lord: Finding Strength When Life is Hard. To read the entire chapter, order your copy today.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: geralt / Pixabay
Good thoughts. In 1966/67 I was given a teaching job, assigned to a newly created 7th grade of students declared to be “immature.” With a few exceptions, the students were ordinary and even academically capable. After studying the situation carefully, I decided that the kids had already labeled themselves as losers….just because they were assigned to Ervay. A bad idea at the outset, but a way to balance the enrollment increase. My approach was to do everything possible to make the students feel special. They produced the school newspaper I created, learned how to debate and challenged other classes (and won), ran for student council positions and won, and even won athletic competitions. It was mostly group dynamics stuff….but that always works!
Yes, group dynamics create energy and direction. Thanks for the comment.