The book of Psalms contains some of the most candid expressions of the
human heart to God. As a matter of fact, the psalmists are sometimes so bluntly
morose about their experience, that we would consider it as faithlessness if we
heard it from the lips of a brother or sister.
In grammar, Conjunctions are connecting words used to link sentences,
clauses, phrases, or words, e.g. “and,” “but,” or “if”. Our focus today is on
an important spiritual conjunction: the word ‘BUT.’
The ‘BUT’ is a grammatical word used in the middle of or at the
beginning of a sentence to introduce something that is true in spite of
either being or SEEMING CONTRARY to what has just been said
This ‘BUT’ is what distinguishes the psalmists from faithless Christians
on the one hand, and fake, churchy Believers on the other. When a Psalmist
bares his mind to God, he tells it like it is; he doesn’t pretend not to feel
the hurt or act like he’s above pain. Anointed people suffer, too, Prophets do
go hungry, and Believers do go through seasons of loss.
The key to being REAL like the Psalmist is to know that there must be a
“BUT” (expressed or implied) included along with the tirade or wailing. Observe
the pattern of their prayer gripes:
“LORD, how are they increased
that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be who say
of my soul, There is no help for him in God. BUT YOU, O LORD, ARE A SHIELD FOR
ME...” – Ps 3:1-3.
“O you sons of men, how long will
you turn my glory into shame?...BUT KNOW THAT ...THE LORD WILL HEAR WHEN I CALL
UNTO HIM.” (Ps 4:2,3)
“How long will you forget me, O
LORD? forever? ...BUT I have trusted in your mercy... I will sing unto the
LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Ps 13:1-6.
It’s important for us to know that Believers, too, sometimes go through
bad times. They’re not signs of a lack of faith, or punishment for sin, or
evidence that God doesn’t care anymore; but a natural course of things in this
fallen world we live in.
When we go through these seasons, we’re free to express our hurt to God.
However, (and most importantly), we mustn’t allow our tears to cloud our eyes.
God is still a good God, He still loves us and He has promised that He will
NEVER leave us nor forsake us.
So, don’t bottle up your pain: express yourself before your Heavenly
Father; but make sure your Holy Grammar is correct by inserting the ‘BUT’
before you finish.
AMEN.
More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.
GREG ELKAN
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