But Now

Living in the “But Now”

The first eight verses of Psalm 44 overflow with praise for God, the Mighty Warrior, Conquering King, and Powerful Foe.

Then.

But now.

The same God who was praised has become the Crusher, the Humiliator, the Butcher. The Conquering King who brings victory after victory for those who trust in Him, has deserted his people and left them for dead, open to humiliation, darkness, and despair.

“We collapse in the dust lying face down in the dirt.”

What do you do in the “but now” of your life? We all have them. Those times when we feel like God forgot about us. Times when our enemy seems to be winning all the battles. We put on the whole armor of God. We pray. We follow God’s will the best we know how. Still, at the end of the day we collapse face down in the sheets and wet them with our tears.  We cry with the psalmist,

“Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love.”

And there it is - the answer hidden in plain view. Through every ‘but now’ of our life, God’s love is unfailing.

When we are defeated, it’s hard to believe God loves us still.

When we are cast down, it’s hard to imagine we soar like an eagle.

When others prosper while we scrape the bottom for just a little more of whatever we need to get through the day, it’s hard to remember God’s mercy.

God is there, even when he’s silent.

God is there, even when he turns his face away.

And so Jesus cried out, “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me!”

God bowed his head.

The angels cried.

And Jesus died.

But then, he rose - Hallelujah, Christ arose!

And you will too. In your ‘but now’, never forget ‘but then . . .’.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your unfailing love that is always enough. Amen.

NOTE: I have a special guest visiting me for the month of April so I may not write my blog. Thank you for understanding. God's best to you, always!