During the Romantic period of music composition and performance, the sustain (damper) pedal on the piano was used for special effects. Many composers, such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt regarded the sustain pedal as an essential element in their compositions.
Today, the sustain pedal (on the far right) is used most often and taught first to piano students before any other of the pedals. Its mechanism works with all the dampers so that the sound is free to continue vibrations, connecting the notes in a legato (smooth) texture. Some pianists call the sustain pedal the ‘soul’ of the piano.
A spiritual metaphor becomes clear. The Psalmist poet and musician, David, offers a verse that describes the beauty of being sustained by God. “Surely God is my help. The One who sustains (upholds) me.” (Psalm 54:4 NIV).
In fact, Psalm 54 was designed as an accompaniment for the director of music. In this verse, David underscores his confidence in the God of his soul, the eternal friend who is essential for the health of his spiritual walk.
Because David depends on God to sustain him, he is free to become all God created him to be. The seed of his personality, the creative gifts he employs, the destiny of his kingdom pursuits, even the final journey to his heavenly home. All these stepstones in David’s life are sustained by his loving God.
Sure, David will make some faulty decisions in the future. But even then, God will send a prophet to convict David of the truth and lead him to the deep well of repentance.
As we look back on our lives, can’t we also see the places and experiences where God intervened to sustain us? Can we express gratitude for all the ways God has added texture to our lives and taught us more about trust by sustaining us through every challenge?
Each decade of life brings fresh challenges and opportunities. As we flip through each calendar month, we can easily find ourselves bogged down by the struggles and cares: physical illnesses, financial challenges, family dynamics, and much more.
But like Beethoven and his contemporaries, we can recognize the value of being sustained. Of letting the true sounds of our souls reverberate through each day. To be truly effective as Jesus followers, we cast our cares away from our symphonic hearts. Release the burdens that threaten to muffle our destinies. And welcome the blessed assurance that God himself is with us. Holding us steady. Sustaining us through every fear. Keeping us from falling away from faith.
We can then graduate to higher levels of belief, to deeper wells of trust. We can learn to depend on God to smooth out our rough places, to cover our mistakes with his grace, and to present us as a legato sound to the world.
What are some of the ways God has sustained (upheld) you? Let me know in the comments below.
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: stevepb / Pixabay
For more study on the importance of God’s sustaining grace, check out Sustain Us, Oh Lord: Finding Strength When Life is Hard.
Great metaphor. I’m being sustained amidst the daunting challenge of prepping manuscripts for publication. By scripture encouragements and periodic promptings from the companioning Spirit within.
So glad for you, Jerry. Keep up the good work!