A question of adverb !

Sunday 23 May 2021

A question of adverb !

Lamentations 3.31 and 32 - For the Lord does not reject forever. But, when he grieves, He has compassion according to his great mercy.

There are little words that are of the utmost importance. Today I would like to talk about the word "but". This word in fact cancels out what is said previously. An observation can be revealed but the word "but" introduces a new thought which goes in contradiction with this same observation.

In our lives, we can have “buts” which are a statement of faith, like our text of the day, but also we can have “buts” which are inspired by our unbelief. Have you ever heard such a statement : "I know the Lord can heal but... I have faith but... God's Word says but..." ? Unfortunately, these statements do us terrible harm. We cancel what God said because of our lack of faith.

Take Jeremiah for example. The Book of Lamentations is not very happy and the French got the word "jeremiad" from it. However, the prophet’s lucidity returns with a hopeful "but". We could add it to verses 31 to 33 of chapter 3 : "BUT this is what I want to go over in my heart, which will give me hope. The mercies of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not ended. They are renewed every morning. Oh ! how great is your fidelity !".

My beloveds, let us realize that the words we use are very important. Doesn't Proverb tell us that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) ? May our "corn" be succulent "food" for our soul. May they be a living declaration of our hope in our God. May they encourage those around us by creating "hallelujahs".

No matter what our circumstances, God reigns from all eternity. The night is dark BUT I'm waiting for a new day !

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)