But God; the Believer’s Semicolon

Scripture: Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,

And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

The semicolon is a period on top of a comma. In writing, the semicolon is used to connect two independent but relatable thoughts. The semicolon represents a decision by the writer to continue the sentence where it could have been ended. Just like in writing, when you see a person with a semicolon tattoo or semicolon jewelry it often symbolizes that the wearer decided not to end their life or that he decided to stop self-harm. Ofttimes, persons who are battling depression, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors don a semicolon to remind them of what they have overcome. The semicolon represents continuing where an end was possible. The semicolon connects relatable ideas, where the word BUT connects contrasting ideas. But God, is the Believer’s semicolon. It represents a time where the Lord decided to show grace & mercy instead of giving you what you deserve. You were sinking deep in sin; BUT GOD. Life was beating you down; BUT GOD. You were told there’s no hope; BUT GOD. But God symbolizes continuance; it shows that your story didn’t end at your diagnosis, at your sin, at your mistake, or at your situation. But God is the hope that all Believers should have, in God. As you deal with life’s circumstances, ailments, and adversities remember the mercy of the Lord has allowed you to continue, to thrive. The Lord directs the steps of the godly and delights in every detail of their lives and even though he may fall, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord is holding his hand…But God!!!.............

Everyone in the Bible has had a But God moment and so has every Believer and even non-believers. But God is the Believer’s semicolon. Noah, his family, and the animals would have been floating along forever; But God (Gen. 8:1).  Abraham would have been mourning his son; But God (Gen. 22). David would have been captured by Saul; But God (1 Samuel 23:14). Jonah would have died inside of the large fish; But God (Jonah 2:10). Joseph’s brothers set out to harm him; But God (Acts 7:9-10). Jesus, in His human form, was crucified and buried; But God (Acts 13: 29-30). Believers were lost in sin; But God (Romans 5:8). The cost of sin is death for the Believer; But God (Romans 6:23). Believers were dead in their trespasses and sin, controlled by Satan and willingly fulfilling the desires of the flesh; But God (Ephesians 2: 1-10). So whenever, you see a semicolon (that period over a comma) remember what the Lord has saved you from, remember that life’s circumstances are not the end of your story. You would have…But God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for our But God moments and making it possible for us to continue despite of ourselves. Lord, thank you for not allowing our story to end with our sin but instead with You getting the glory for making us brand new. Forgive us Lord for taking those But God moments for granted and often grieving You. Thank you, Lord for sacrificing Your Son to cover our sins, past, present, and future. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

(by Patricia Towns)