Our desire to have the last word is a need for control. Many disputes and arguments escalate because of this need. When we go through trials, we realize this power is limited. It abandons us when we need it because it’s not faithful, powerful, or sovereign. It’s man-made. Only by allowing God to have the final say, allowing Him to have control, can we access His blessings. When we do this, we abandon our control of Him; we access the supernatural power of His might.
"Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Ephesians 3:20
Seeing the Need
We are capable, strong, and intelligent people who have made our way in life. Because of this, we don’t always see the need for God’s hand in our everyday situations. What if we recognized the need for God’s last word in our daily lives? Our lives would change for the better. The gift of wisdom and insight shines down on us through troubles and trials. At that moment of desperation, we see the need for God’s last word in our lives. Times of tragedy or heartache help us to realize that we can’t get those supernatural results in our natural efforts.
"Therefore he sent horses, chariots, and a great army there. They came by night, and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 2 Kings 6:14-15
Asking for Help
God tells us in the word that He is an “ever-present help in times of trouble.” This means we need not fear. I am so grateful for His gracious response when we hit that rock bottom. Once we see the need to invite Him in, we will allow Him control of the final word. We want it, need it, and are even desperate for His help. That’s often when we ask. In that humility, God enters the situation and will lift us up. He then encourages us and delivers us from our troubles, trials, and fears.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Seeing The Provision
One of my favorite yet most perplexing things about God is that He is not me. He’s not a human that is confined by our finite understanding. Sometimes, we call on Him, expecting Him to answer with human limitations. However, His timeline is eternal. It’s not the same as ours. His way of doing things is part of a gigantic machine with many intricate parts. He knows every part. He sees how everything works and how it all ties together. So, giving God the last word involves an element of faith. It means trusting that He is good. He will do what He promised. He will watch over His word to make it happen. Like the young man in 2 Kings, we will then see that God has an army surrounding us.
“He answered, “Don’t be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha prayed, and said, “Yahweh, please open his eyes, that he may see.” Yahweh opened the young man’s eyes; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:6
Poem
Today’s poem came to me recently during a challenging time. The situation was entirely out of my control in every way, triggering issues from the past for us all. God, in His kindness, gave me this poem as I lifted the situation to Him. I placed it in His hands and proclaimed that He had the last word. Then His peace came to me. Whenever I think of the situation, I remember this poem. I recite it as a prayer. It becomes a proclamation. It is an act of faith. As you read the poem below, join me in this meditation, prayer, and proclamation.
"Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Psalm 50:15
