“Sustain me” was a new prayer for me this past year. Sustain means to strengthen or support, physically or mentally. When I start to feel empty, I find myself asking Jesus to sustain me with His grace, with His Holy Spirit, so I can hopefully still be a source of love to others. He is the fuel to keep my light burning.
In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” It pleases Him to be the one I turn to for strength, refreshment, and rest. This life is not all about me, and some days and seasons are going to feel long and difficult. I am not created to live through them on my own strength.
When the day starts with a heaviness trying to discourage me – Jesus, send your Spirit to sustain me throughout this day.
When my loved ones need things from me and I just don’t feel I can give anymore – Jesus, sustain me.
When the minutes go by slowly and impatience creeps in – Jesus, sustain me.
When nothing goes how I hope or expect – Jesus, sustain me.
When I feel a lack of motivation or joy – Jesus, sustain me.
God’s so good and so kind. He knows what we need to keep our light burning. Sometimes I recognize new energy or peace; sometimes a perspective will shift; sometimes time will free up for prayer or rest; and sometimes I’ll come into contact with a loved one unexpectedly. And when nothing seems to shift physically, sometimes it just feels like reaching out and holding His hand to get through.
Jesus, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to sustain me. You carry me through it all. I love living this life with you, Jesus. Amen.
My Heart, My Home 