Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. (Ps. 54:4)
A similar word for sustain is the word support. Political candidates ask us for our support at the voting booth. House builders are careful to make sure the walls have plenty of support to keep them standing upright. Friends want to know if you “have their back” or will support them in a debate or controversy. In court, a judge might ask for supporting evidence when considering a verdict.
There is One who supports us more than we can ever imagine. He has our back in each and every situation. The ultimate proof of God’s support is that he came to our side when he sent his one and only Son to live among us here on the earth. He truly came to be our help. In his incarnation, he helps us witness what it means to live a sinless life. In his crucifixion, he lets us know what it means to sacrifice everything for someone else. In his resurrection, he demonstrates that he not only sustains all life, but he also rules over all life as well as death.
On this first Sunday of Advent, let’s remember that Jesus not only offers help and support; he IS help and support. It is not just about what he offers, but who he is to the core. Whatever it is that you are facing today, God is truly ready to help you.
Remind yourself that Jesus is all you and I need.
Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.