Psalm 41:10 — But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
“But You” (“But Thou” in the King James Version) … would it surprise you to hear that those two little words bring me great comfort? You can find them so often in the Psalms. There’s a sort of model: “A bad thing is happening to me BUT YOU O GOD are making it right”.
We read Psalm 41 in our devotions this morning. Last night in choir we read through Psalm 3 — “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (Psalms 3:3 KJV)
I don’t need to be told three times — “But You” is always a signpost for something important! Let’s look at some more examples.
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? (Psalms 6:3 KJV)
“But You” isn’t always a promise of immediate comfort. Here’s a different important truth. God is sovereign. He does things at His own speed.
For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. (Psalms 44:6-7 KJV) — Relying on anyone but God is futile. Rely on Him and He will be a reliable warrior!
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalms 86:15 KJV) God shared His identity with Moses, and in this Psalm, with David — and He shares it with me!
God is eternal and unchanging — But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. …But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (Psalms 102:12, 27 KJV)
God does all that He does for me not because of who I am but because of who He is: But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! (Psalm 109:21 ESV)
That’s just a selection, there are more “But You’s” that I could have chosen. Put them together and see what’s a catalog of praise they make!
But You, O God, are merciful to me, You are the lifter of my head, You are my shield, You are my glory. You cannot be rushed. You will fight my battles. You show me who you are. You are eternal and unchanging. You do all these things for me because that’s who you are!
“But You”. Two little words full of comfort for me. Truly the riches of the Bible are wonderful!