But You, O God

In Get Joy by Kicking But and Escaping the Island of But, I expressed the word ‘but’ as a negative influence in our thinking. But God shows me another point of view.

In his book, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Tim Keller writes, (referring to Psalm 109:21-29), “The phrase “But you, Sovereign Lord” here, as ever in the psalms, marks a great turning point. Hard prayers become softer, hopeless prayers more confident, sad prayers are filled with joy, and guilty prayers arrive in mercy. Our prayer may rightly begin with our own hurts, sins, enemies, surroundings, troubles. But it is only when you lay these things before God, see them in light of who he is, and say, “But you . . .”—that release, relief, growth, hope, and strength begin to come.”

Tim ends with this prayer: “Lord, I thank you that your reality changes everything. I am weak and I deserve nothing—O, but you . . . I don’t see any way out of this—O, but you . . . My life seems to be derailed—O, but you . . . I don’t know how to pray. Ah, but you will help me.”

When we are battling negative voices in our lives, either externally or internally, trusted counselors, support groups, family and friends are important, but to what measure do we yield to the provision of God?

Personalizing Bible Words as affirmation statements is one of the most powerful weapons we have. When storm clouds of doubt gather, clear them away by summarizing and personalizing favorite verses.

For Example:

• Psalm 73:26, God is the my strength forever.
• Romans 5:8, God loves me no matter what mistakes I make.
• 2 Timothy 1:7, Fear is not from God. He gives me power, love, and a sound mind.
• Psalm 46:10, Be still, I know God.
• Psalm 27:7, I trust God and won’t worry.
• Proverbs 3:5-6, I don’t have to understand everything to trust God.
• 1 Peter 5:5-7, I give my worries to God because he loves me.
• Ephesians 3:20, God’s ways are better than I can imagine.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17, The old me is gone, I’m new in Jesus.
• Isaiah 43:18-19, The past is gone, God is doing new things!
• Psalm 56:3, I’m not afraid because God is with me.
• Ephesians 3:16, I have limitless inner strength through His Spirit.

What would you add to this list?

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