The words, “but God”, appear in the King James Version translation of the bible 43 times. In other translations, you may find more or fewer occurrences. These two words remind us that we have this hope in God when the trouble surrounding us is too great.
Throughout the Bible, you will find numerous occurrences where God has shown great love for His people. And in many of those occurrences, we see God stepping in with the author writing “but God”. The word but in this usage is a conjunction in the English language. Conjunctions introduce a contrasting or different phrase or clause from what was previously being discussed.
I do have a request for today’s blog. If you have noticed the semicolon included at the close of each of my blogs, please like, share, or comment below. To someone who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, the semicolon means so much more than just a punctuation mark – it is a symbol specifying that my story is not finished. My apologies for the English lessons today but a semicolon is a punctuation mark that signifies the continuation of a sentence. In other words, the thought is not finished; the story has not yet ended. This is the same for “but God”.
One “…but God” Example
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! - Ephesians 2:4-5
As mentioned above, the conjunction “but” introduces a contrasting phrase from what was previously discussed. In other words, we need to under the context. Why has God stepped into this situation in Ephesus?
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. - Ephesians 2:1-3
So what does dead in your trespasses mean? Paul was reminding the Ephesians of their offenses against God and their alignment with Satan, the ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens. Additionally, he let the people know they were not alone as even he (Paul) had lived among them in his own fleshly desires.
But God,
Oh, those two wonderful words – But God. For without God stepping in and loving us even when we are unlovable, we would have no hope today. And for those who do place their faith in Jesus, we are saved by His grace. I would be remorsful however if I did not share the rest of this passage.
Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift - not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:6-10
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If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store and affiliate links. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.