In times of turmoil, we tend to focus on the turmoil and forget the power of our Creator and how much He cares for us. We forget how often the Bible talks about dire situations and then says—But God. Because when God enters a dire situation, those circumstances come under His control and we no longer have to worry. We simply rest in His care and His grace.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of Biblical situations and what happens when—But God—enters the scene.

Noah faced a flood that wiped out all his family and friends except for his wife, three sons, and their wives—an a whole bunch of animals. Just imagine how scary that must have been on the boat with rain pouring down and the flood waters rising until there was nothing but water all around. Did they wonder if God knew what He was doing? Did they think he’d forgotten them? That He wasn’t listening to their prayers?

But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. Genesis 8:1 (ESV)

In the midst of any doubts they may have had, when His timing was perfect, God did what He planned all along.

Joseph is another one who faced very difficult times. He was sold into slavery by his brothers—by the family he trusted. He ended up in prison for something he didn’t do. His attitude could have been one of doubt, or of fear, but we know this:

“And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him…” Acts 7:9 (NKJV)

Once again, God was with him (Joseph). In that well where his brothers threw him. In the prison dungeon. And, in the foreign country where he found himself. God was there.

Of course, we all know the one who faced the worst life had to offer was our Savior, Jesus. Ridicule, testing, abandonment, false accusations, a mockery of a trial, beatings, humiliation, and the most painful death of the time. Through all that, we might want to ask where was God? Why did Jesus have to suffer and then die? God had a purpose and we know this:

But God raised [Jesus] from the dead. Acts 13:30 (NKJV)

Once again, God stepped in at the right time—His perfect time—and raised Jesus from the dead. Her performed a miracle that was for us and part of His sovereign plan. Something we wouldn’t have been able to see during at that time, just as the disciples too caught up in the turmoil to understand God’s plan.

And then there is us today. People who are so imperfect no matter how hard we try. We all fall short of what we are supposed to be. Without the grace of God, we would be lost completely. Yet, God has that perfect plan which includes us.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NKJV)

But God. Where would we be without those two words that explain so much about His love for us. In the midst of our difficult times, when we face a country—a world—on the brink of disaster, we must remember God is there. He sees. He cares. He has a purpose. 

We may not see or understand His purpose, but we can trust that He has one. He didn’t stop the flood from happening, but he dried up the waters. He didn’t keep Joseph safe at home or out of prison, but He helped him become great to save His people. He didn’t keep Jesus from dying on the cross, but carried out His plan for our salvation. 

Go through the Bible and do a search for the phrase “But God” and see all the times God is at work when the situation seems hopeless. He is aware of everything we face today. He has a plan, even if we can’t see it.

But God.

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)