May 29: But God

March roared in like a lion. We lost a family member to gun violence. Family rallied around his mother, sister, and grandparents. We were able, for one week, to be together sharing many hugs, weeping, talking, sharing news—stunned that someone we love would be struck down this way.  The second week was taken up with talking to detectives, learning more details from his friends, and making arrangements for his body. More hugs and tears.  Then, Shelter in Place took effect. I was to go with his dear mom and sister to pick up his ashes, but because of the order, the facility requested only two people attend. I was unable to go and help support them. 

We are not the only ones unable to support loved ones as they struggle through loss of work, separation, and the worst of all, comfort those dear ones as death approaches. This social distancing impacts us in ways we couldn’t have envisioned—with anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, restlessness, and loneliness.

But God.

I think this is one of my favorite statements found in God’s word. Something has happened, is happening, will happen; then the passage states “But God,” and we know something amazing was, is, or will be accomplished. Praise be to our Father, God.

When I first rededicated, repented, and returned to God ten years ago, I found a verse that absolutely changed how I process the circumstances in my life and encourages me in realizing God's great love for us past, present, and future. Isaiah 43:10 states, 

"You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me."  

First impact was that I was His witness whom he chose. But notice that “witness” is plural. All who put their faith in God are His witnesses of who He is and what He has done and is doing. Why did He choose us? He wants us to know Him and to have a relationship with Him.  We have learned in Romans of that beautiful comfort of a Faith/Righteousness relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within it. Second, He wants us to believe Him. Not in Him, although that is very important, but to believe Him. To have no doubts that what He says is absolute truth. To read His word and believe, absolutely, that the words He is speaking are truth: His promises, His instruction, His discipline, His love, His grace, His goodness, His faithfulness, His forgiveness, and His sovereignty over every situation. Believe Him…believe His words and know Him. Lastly, He is God, the only God. There was no God before Him, nor shall there be any after Him. He is eternal, All Mighty, Yahweh!

I was reading a study guide on Psalm 123. The author made a statement that I think is very applicable to the situation we find ourselves in at this time. As we shelter in place/peace, many have lost their jobs, families are separated, loved ones become ill; there is loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression; all of these things wage war on our bodies, minds, and emotions.  The author wrote, "There is an entire chain of events that begin with our eyes. Where we look—where we genuinely fasten our eyes—amid life's challenges has a tremendous impact on how we feel. Where our eyes are ultimately affects our hearts, souls, and minds." Psalm 123:1 states in the Amplified, "Unto You do I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in heaven."  The author continues, "We have to remember that God's favor and His person are not synonymous.  If our trust is in manifestations of God's favor rather than God Himself, we will crumble like dry clay when He calls us to walk a distance of our journeys entirely by faith and not by sight.  God is with us even when His face and His favor seem hidden. Security only comes from trusting God, not what He's done for us or given us, however glorious and eternal those things may be."

So, in Christ, we are able to enter into our Father's very presence. No matter the chaos we face, the mourning, the depression and anxiety, in Christ we have a High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) who is able to sympathize with our troubles. He also struggled as we struggle. He who is seated at the right hand of God allows us to draw near with confidence to that very throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in all our times of need.

I was reminded of a song by Lauren Daigle, “Rescue.” It reminds me that nothing is hidden from God and that He is always near, always ready to help us in times of need. In the darkness, He is our light, our shelter, our armor. We are not forgotten, hopeless or defenseless. In the middle of the darkest night, He will rescue us. 

Deuteronomy reminds us to be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. As the pandemic continues, remember "But God." He is sovereign and unchanging. Nothing is a surprise to Him. He is in control. We have eternal hope in Christ, and nothing can remove that. Focus your eyes on the One who is able to save. God wants us to know and believe Him and understand that He is the I Am. Get into His word. Do a word study…maybe the words, “But God…." Study His works, His person, His promises. Look at the names of God: Peace, Holy, Shelter, etc. God promises that His word, when it goes forth from His mouth, will not return to him void (useless, without result). His word will always accomplish what He desires. "It will succeed in the matter for which I sent it… " (Isaiah 55:11).

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

O Father, as we come before you in Christ alone,

we ask for your help during these many challenges in our lives right now.

Some are lonely, some are depressed, some are ill;

all of us are going through something

as the impact of Covid-19 rages across the globe.

You and only you are our refuge and our strength.

You are our very present help in this time of trouble.

Help us to keep our eyes on you and on the truth of your word.

Help us to not be fearful even as our lives seem to be falling away.

Your word tells us that you surround us, encompass us,

enclose us, and you are behind and before us.

What or who can ever pluck us from your hand?

Or what can separate us from your love?

Nothing.

You are our strength.

Help us to stand firm in the face of all Satan can and will throw at us.

Help us to remember those powerful two little words, “But God.”

How wonderful is your saving hand in our lives.

Because of your love, we are in Christ Jesus.

We are protected from the worst that can happen. We have eternal hope in Christ.

You love us with a love that passes all understanding.

Who can know your thoughts, O God? They are too high for me. 

As you are the God of peace,

Abba Father, we ask for that peace that passes all understanding

to fill our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

Continue to uphold us in your love, peace, and your strength

because of your precious and beautiful Son.

Amen.

Shelter in Peace,

Linda De Bonis