Some of my favorite parts of Scripture contain the word “but.” Perhaps the most famous verse with this beautiful conjunction is Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved” (ESV). In this passage the “but” shifts us from the very bad news of our sin and separation from God to the glorious hope we have in Christ. Let’s turn our attention now to two Old Testament examples of “but” language- and learn how this word can transform our darkest despair into renewed hope.
Psalm 102, penned by one who is afflicted and faint, begins with a cry to the Lord. The author pours out his request for God’s ear to be inclined to him, for His face to not be hidden from him. Verses 3-11 detail the depths of emotional and physical agony, of sleepless nights and sorrowful tears. Then, the “but.”
In verse 12 we see the radical shift: “But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever, you are remembered throughout all generations.” The remainder of the Psalm focuses on the greatness of God, of His power and might; of His overwhelming compassion, how He hears the groans of the prisoners and sets free those who are doomed to die. The psalmist also reflects on God’s power in Creation and on His eternal nature. “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth”( v.25); “You are the same and your years have no end” (v.27). Though the author began this particular writing with despair, he ended with hope by setting his mind on the character and attributes of God.
The Weeping Prophet did the same. For the first two chapters of Lamentations (and for much of the third) Jeremiah lamented deeply over Jerusalem. His anguish is palpable: “He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones” (v.4); “He has filled me with bitterness; he has sated me with wormwood (v.15); “My soul is bereft of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is” (v.17). These words are so heavy- and then we find our word: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23). What a radical shift! Again, hope emerges when the heart is set on the love and mercy of God.
And for us. What are we to do with our frustration? With our fear? With our uncertainty and heartache? We first and foremost boldly pour our heart out to the Lord, as the word of God instructs us to “cast our anxieties on him because he cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:7). Because there is nothing in our heart that is hidden from Him, we can humbly surrender our burdens to Him in honest prayer.
And after we lift up our pleas? We use the “but.” As Philippians 4:8 says, we set our minds on what is true and good and lovely. That is, we set our minds on the truth of who God is- that He is good, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. But God. But God who is rich in mercy, great in faithfulness, enthroned forever. As we recall His character and mighty deeds, our despair will give way to hope. And as God’s word assures us, hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit (Romans 5:5). Praise be to God!
nicolebyrum.com 