But God

It’s pretty amazing how one little word, a seemingly insignificant word, can change things.  Conjunctive words such as “however” or “if” or “and,” can significantly change the course of a sentence or thought.  In the Bible, the conjunctive clause “but God” changes everything!  In Psalm 52, Verses 1-4 you can hear David’s frustration with evil men, particularly Doeg the Edomite who ratted out his whereabouts to King Saul who was trying to kill David: “Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?” (V.1).  As I sat with a dear friend last night, our conversation turned several times to how often it seems the ungodly prosper while the godly struggle so.  It was enough to frustrate David – it’s enough to frustrate Christians today.  Then comes the conjunctive phrase that presents contrast-thinking: “But God will break you down forever … But as for me … I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.” (V.8).  God doesn’t just present contrast – He IS contrast!  Hope placed in God is hope well placed, securely and confidently.  Let us not be overcome when Satan whispers or evil looms. Whatever the threat, remember … but God!