Exposition:
Sustenance is to keep a thing alive or keep it standing in order that it does not fall away. It also means to bear or endure a situation or circumstance without failing or yielding. Our scripture reading gives us a clear understanding of how the word of God has the power and ability to sustain believers in their Christian journey in this perverse generation. The poet, in his anguish situation, realizes his only source of strength is the word of God. He, therefore, exclaims that the Lord should revive him through his word because his soul is dust. He also relies on the word of God for encouragement in his sorrowful state.
As the pillars of the building support and sustains it, and the tree planted by the river is sustained by the river, we are also sustained and supported by the word of God. So, the Psalmist says, “blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He (obedient Christians) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3). Hallelujah!
The Christian, in this life, needs the word of God for his or her daily sustenance. Since the world is full of uncertainties, we need the word of God for strength and encouragement. The word of God will nourish our souls in order that we will be able to stand firm in all situations without denying our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The word of God studied and applied will become a foundation for our souls (Matthew 7:24-27). Is your strength waning away? The word of God is more than able to sustain you!