“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand” (Ps. 73:23).

The First Sentence Isn’t the Last

Some realities are difficult to deny. We have real concerns. Our failures, our failing strength, and a world full of true evil. Sometimes the ground beneath us seems to shift.

But this one word, “nevertheless” can help us meet these undeniable realities with the unshakable truth of God. Faith doesn’t require us to deny the first sentence. It teaches us not to stop there. The first truth is real, but God still gets the last word.

Find Solid Ground

Asaph’s circumstances and struggles were real, but he learned to expand the frame until he could see the greater reality of God:

• His “*soul was embittered” as he looked out at the world (Ps. 73:1-22)
• “Nevertheless, I am continually with you” (Ps. 73:23).
• God sets our feet upon a rock and makes our steps secure (Ps. 40:2).
• Even when our own sin is the problem, God responds with the “nevertheless” of his abundant steadfast love (Ps. 106:43–45).

God’s mercy is the nevertheless of our lives.

Our footing becomes solid when our faith stops resting on what happens next and rests on who God is.

Follow Jesus

Jesus lived the nevertheless life all the way to the cross. He continued toward Jerusalem despite rejection and threats: “Nevertheless, I must go on my way” (Luke 13:33).

Then, in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed:

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

With that “nevertheless,” his honest agony became obedient surrender.

But God gets the last word even here. In his obedient love, Jesus died.

Nevertheless, he lives.