"But God..."

I use this phrase often when I find myself focusing on the wrong things.  We have always told our children and the children we taught that when you see the word "But", the story is about to change!  And, yes, it spurred a Bible study for me this morning.  I had someone say something very kind to me last night in the way of a compliment.  I hope I responded graciously, I think I did, because I was saying to myself, "Wow. Really? Thank you, Lord, it is only by Your grace and blessing that I can be or do that."  And the verse came..."But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us." Ephesians 2:4.  I believe that with all my heart.  God loves me and He cares for me...even in trials and troubles.  He gives grace and peace...and that is what, I believe, this person sees...not me...I am nothing without His working in me.  My natural tendency is to retreat and hide...to be protected and shielded.  God gives the best protection!  He has stepped in so many times throughout history...that I can't help but trust Him!
Genesis 20...Abraham told Abimlech that Sarah was his sister, but God came to Abimlech in a dream and told him he was but a dead man for the woman he had taken was a wife.
Genesis 31...Leah and Rachel's father changed the wage on Jacob ten times, but God suffered him not to hurt Jacob.
Genesis 45-...Joseph's life was full of plots and plans gone awry, but God meant it all for good.
Exodus 13...But God led the children of Israel by way of the Red Sea and through the wilderness out of Egypt.
I Samuel 23...King Saul sought for David, but God delivered him not into Saul's hands.
2 Chronicles 20...King Jehoshaphat was crying out at their sure defeat, but God touched a man to speak and remind the people that the battle was the Lord's.

I know that God is still at work today in the lives of His people.  His Word still stands strong and true.
Psalm 49:15  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.
Psalm 68:21  But God will wound the head of His enemies.
Psalm 73:26  But God is the strength of my heart.
Psalm 75:7  But God is the judge.
Proverbs 21:12  But God overthroweth the wicked.
Luke 16:15  But God knoweth your hearts.
Romans 5:8  But God commendeth His love.
I Corinthians 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
I Corinthians 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit.
I Corinthians  3:6-7  But God gave the increase.
I Corinthians 7:15  But God hath called us to peace.
I Corinthians 10:13  But God is faithful.
Ephesians 2:4  But God who is rich in mercy, loved us.

When I am overwhelmed..."But God..."  If I truly believe He is in control of my life, I can have no other thought!