“For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.”
2 Corinthians 7:5–7

The apostle Paul was greatly encouraged that the assembly had responded well to his first letter. He had been very bold and strong in correcting this wayward church, but now he rejoices that the Lord was at work among them, saying, “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Cor. 7:4).

Paul had experienced many difficulties when he arrived in Macedonia. He was constantly on the move, with little time to rest. Everywhere he turned, he faced trouble—outwardly, there were conflicts; inwardly, there were fears.

How wonderful that, in the midst of such trouble, Paul could say, “But God!” Some translations render it “Nevertheless God,” but it carries the same idea—God intervenes! It is God who comforts the downcast, and in this case, He did so through the coming of Titus. Back in 2:13, Paul said that he could not find Titus and that he had no rest in his spirit because of it. How good the Lord is to provide Paul with peace and comfort at just the right time! When Titus arrived, he brought good news of the Corinthians’ repentance and renewed affection toward Paul, which filled the apostle’s heart with joy.

When we feel the pressures of life—both from without and from within—look for the “But God” in your situation. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The word “trouble” here carries the idea of being pressed into a corner with nowhere to turn. In times like this, God is our refuge and strength. Even when everything around us is changing or falling apart, the Lord comes in and provides exactly what we need. That is why He says to each of our hearts, “Be still, and know that I am God” (v. 10).

Anchor For Today:
The secret to every “But God” moment is learning to be still—and letting Him show Himself as the One who comforts the downcast.