The Bible teaches that God sustains all of creation. As Creator, God not only brought the universe into being, but He continues to uphold and provide for it. Understanding God as our sustainer highlights His active involvement in creation and His loving care for His people.
The word “sustain” means to strengthen, nourish, and uphold. As sustainer, God supplies what is needed to maintain life and growth. Several key biblical truths reveal God’s role as sustainer:
God Sustains All of Creation
The Bible teaches that in God we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). He is the one who “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25). God actively sustains the universe He created. The author of Hebrews says Jesus Christ is “sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). Colossians 1:17 declares that in Christ “all things hold together.” Every molecule, planet, and galaxy is continuously sustained by the creator God.
God also sustains all living things. He supplies food, water, and breath to all creatures (Psalm 104:27-30; 145:15-16). Jesus said that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, thus caring even for the smallest parts of creation (Matthew 6:26-30). As sustainer, God maintains order and life in His creation.
God Specially Sustains His People
Not only does God generally sustain all of creation, but He acts in a special way to sustain His people. Isaiah describes God’s people as “The flock that I [God] am feeding” and says, “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak” (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:16). As a shepherd cares for his sheep, God promises to sustain and protect His people.
God sustained the Israelites throughout their wilderness wanderings after the exodus from Egypt. He provided manna, quail, and water and ensured their clothing did not wear out (Deuteronomy 8:3-4; Nehemiah 9:21). God continues to sustain believers today. David testified that God “satisfies your desires with good things” (Psalm 103:5). Jesus taught that God clothes the flowers and feeds the birds of the air, thus promising to provide for His children’s needs (Matthew 6:26-33). As sustainer, God supplies what His people need.
God Sustains Through His Spirit
A key way God sustains His people is through the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. When we trust in Christ, God sends the Spirit to dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit empowers us to produce godly fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). He comforts us in difficult times (Acts 9:31). The Spirit sustains our faith, drawing us closer to God. As sustainer, God supplies and strengthens us through His Spirit at work within us.
God Sustains Us Through Christ
The Bible also reveals that God uniquely sustains His people through Christ. Hebrews 1:3 says that Christ sustains “all things.” In Christ “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” and in Him “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Because Christ is fully God, He shares authority in sustaining all creation. Ephesians 5:29 also reveals Christ as sustainer of the church: “Christ nourishes and cherishes” believers as His own body.
Furthermore, Christ sustains believers by providing spiritual nourishment. He proclaimed, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35). As the good shepherd, Christ leads and protects His sheep (John 10:11). The work of salvation offers numerous blessings in Christ as our sustainer. He preserves and nourishes our spiritual life now and for eternity.
God Sustains Our Hope
A final aspect of God’s sustaining work is how He upholds our hope. God encourages His people with promises of eternity with Him. Though we experience pain in this life, Paul says “this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Because of Christ’s resurrection, we have hope that the trials of this life are producing greater joy in eternity (Romans 8:18). Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Even when we feel discouraged, the Spirit reminds us of our secure hope (Romans 15:13). As sustainer, God renews our strength and hope in Him.
Every Day is an Act of God’s Sustaining Grace
Recognizing God as our sustainer impacts how we live each day. We can flow through life knowing God upholds every aspect of our existence. We do not survive by our own strength but by His gracious provision. Dependency on the sustainer frees us from crippling anxiety. As Jesus said, “Do not be anxious…your heavenly Father feeds [and clothes] you” (Matthew 6:25-34). Knowing God’s sustaining care allows us to live with confidence rather than fear.
Understanding God as sustainer also deepens our worship. He is intimately involved in our lives, not distant or passive. When we consider the wonder of His provision – each breath, each heartbeat, each moment by His grace – praise naturally flows from grateful hearts. Every meal, every sunrise, every day of life is a gift from the sustaining hand of God.
As sustainer, God calls us to trust in His faithful provision. We can rest in God’s care for His creation. He supplies all that we truly need. As Christ assures, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, we can live with joy and thankfulness, confident in God’s sustaining grace.