The Source of Our Sustenance

I’ve been journaling through the book of Esther lately. I’d award it a five-star rating, only because there is no sixth to give it. “A historically true story that reads like a compelling short story,” the accompanying review might read. The book’s namesake is a courageous young woman, raised by her wise uncle Mordecai after her mother and father passed away. The loss of Esther’s parents is a seemingly small detail in the story, yet one that resonates within me, for it speaks of God’s provision and care for those we love, regardless of their circumstances. And it takes me back to one of those “life lessons” learned along the way . . .

We had raised Matthew to look to the Word as his wisdom and authority and to bring life’s joys and challenges to God in prayer, and now our son had gone off to college where temptations loom large and character is stress-tested. How would he respond? What choices would he make? Who would influence him for better, and who for worse? All Peggy and I could do was pray. Over time, Matthew started telling us about new friendships and activities with believers, and when he came home after his freshman year, I saw the unmistakable light of confidence, peace and joy in his eyes. It was then that it occurred to me: God had always been—and always would be—our son’s sustenance. Matthew belonged to God, and whether through us or through others, it was God caring for him all along. What a humbling, encouraging and joyful moment it was for this parent!

It was King David who put these words to song: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:15). As one who lost his own father at a very young age, I learned first-hand these words of the psalmist to be true. Then I have come to know—first as a son and then as a father—that whether we lose people to death or they venture forth from under our roof, God cares for His children. Through us, He sustains others; through others, He sustains us. We rejoice in this. We rest in this.

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. (Psalm 146:9)

Father in heaven, in Your sustaining love, You send people to us. In humble faith, may we recognize Your comfort and receive Your care through them. Strengthen us, grow us, and draw us always near to Yourself. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.