There is an expression in the English language, that whoever has the last word in a discussion is the one who has the final say in that matter. Many people claim to have the last word when it comes to spiritual matters. They claim to have the last word on life and death, and on what is true and false. But in Psalm 43, the psalmist tells us that God has the last word when it comes to these things, and that in the end, only His word will matter for eternity.

In this Psalm, David declared his desire to worship the Lord. He knew that he belonged to God. He knew that his enemies were God’s enemies, and that those who misrepresented him also misrepresented the Lord. He asked the Lord to help him, to stand up for him and to plead his case. Despite his failures, he asked the Lord to judge the motives of his heart. His ultimate desire was to please God and to be obedient to His word.

The psalmist did not fear those who sought to destroy him. Instead, he trusted in God’s mercy to rescue him and protect him from the deception and the wickedness of the people who were plotting against him. He trusted that he would be protected from the deceitfulness and the treachery in their heart. He knew the Lord was with him. He was certain that God would deal with those unjust men and women according to who He is.

The psalmist wanted the Lord to strike terror in them because they wanted to trample upon him so that he never rose again. Yet, David didn’t fear them. His conscience was clear before the Lord. The Lord and His word were his strength and his defense. He alone would have the last word in all of these things.

Despite his trust in the Lord, David couldn’t understand the ways of God. He felt in agony at times, because he felt like he had been rejected and discarded by God. He wondered if he had become an offense to the Lord. He couldn’t bear it if God had abandoned him.

Why did it seem like he was so often in mourning and in grief, wandering around because of the oppression of his enemies? He understood that God must be working in him in a way that he just couldn’t understand. The pressure that was being brought upon him was for his good, for his growth, so that he might bring forth the sweet fragrance of his Savior.

The psalmist cried out for the Lord to illuminate his mind and give him understanding. He wanted peace restored in his heart. He asked God to lead him according to His goodness, His mercy, His faithfulness, and His truth. David wanted the Lord to lead him through the mountains and valleys, and through the storms of life, and bring him to God’s dwelling place and into His presence. He desired that his life might be brought into line with God and with His word, whatever the cost.

So, the psalmist decided to surrender his life to God, and he declared that he would play musical instruments and sing songs to the Lord. He understood that God alone was his source of joy. God alone could satisfy the hunger and the thirst that was in his soul.

David wondered why he felt so depressed and bothered at times. How could he murmur and complain? How could he get so agitated and unsettled? It made no sense to him. But still, he hoped in God and waited for Him. He knew that though the storm was great, God’s comfort was greater. God would always have the last word.

God is our help and our deliverer. He’s the one who gives us victory, and will wipe away every tear from our eyes. We can smile again, even in the midst of the storm as we lift up our voice to Him. He will have the last word, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.