While meditating this morning on my daily reading of Scripture I was drawn to the word 鈥渂ut鈥�. Though it鈥檚 so often used it becomes common place, it stuck in my mind enough to make me look up the formal definition of the word and its functions in everyday conversation.聽
The following definition appears on this on-line site: partofspeech.org/what-part-of-speech-is-but/. 鈥淚n the English language, the word 鈥渂ut鈥� is also used for multiple purposes. It can serve as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, or a noun in sentences. This word is commonly categorized under conjunctions because it can connect two clauses together and form a single sentence.
It was the last usage listed here that really got me thinking: Connecting two clauses together in order to form a single sentence. While the Psalmist Dave probably didn鈥檛 have that formal definition sitting in front of him as he penned his words, his pleas for help are framed in the blessing of God鈥檚 鈥渂ut鈥�. I find myself echoing them over and over.
For those who haven鈥檛 studied the life of David, it鈥檚 full of contradictions: joyous praise appears alongside an abundance of words such as 鈥淲hy?鈥�, 鈥淗elp, Lord鈥� and 鈥淗ow long?鈥� Sound familiar? It does to me, as well.
King David鈥檚 life was a complex one, full of triumphant victories, acts of mercy and declarations of His trust in God. In contrast, triumphant exclamations of God鈥檚 abundant grace and mercy paled beside the abandonment of his regal duties and moral responsibilities. Sadly he is best remembered because of his sins of adultery and murder. That鈥檚 when 鈥渂ut鈥� became his only source of redemption. As he poured out his heart in genuine confession, he became the recipient of unmerited grace.
鈥淢any sorrows shall be to the wicked but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.鈥� (Psalm 32:10)
