Say “No” to Wits’ End
Ever thought you were at your wits ’end? I discovered this term in Psalm 107 the week after I became a widow—because that was how I felt.
What does wits’ end mean? A biblical definition is: “all their wisdom is swallowed up.” But a contemporary dictionary gives us another clue. You can be in a state of distress because you are out of patience or mental stamina when dealing with some kind of problem or difficult situation. You can be puzzled, perplexed, desperate, worried, annoyed, not knowing what to do.
Throughout this Psalm the people cry out to the Lord over and over again. And He delivers them from their distresses, over and over again. Here’s the verse where that phrase is used:
Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble. and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:26b-30 NKJV)
The verses above are just one portion of the Psalm and refers to sailors being tossed about to and fro in a storm, just staggering. Their skill is no help. Their wisdom is no help.Their hope is dying out. But in their extreme trouble, they cry out to the Lord. He quiets the sea and guides them to safety. A safe haven.
The Psalm begins: “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good For His mercy endures forever.” Then after all the incidents of His deliverances from situations, it ends with: “And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”
So that is our answer: We depend on God. We believe for His answers. We acknowledge His lovingkindness. We give thanks, for He is good! And even when we think we are at our wits’ end, He is there to rescue us! Let’s praise Him for that!
Throughout the Bible He is the Deliverer! And He’s our Deliverer. He brings us out of our distresses. The verses in this Psalm helped me through my stormy sea—more than once. Let it minister to you too.
Scripture: Everyone at their wits’ end until even the sailors despaired of life, cringing in terror. Then we cried out “Lord, help us! Rescue us.” And he did! God stilled the storm, calmed the wave, and hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper. (Psalm 107:26b-29 TPT)
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness. And for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:31 NKJV)
Prayer: Lord, thank You that whatever we are going through, You are there to love, comfort, guide, and You bring us through. We are grateful and we give You our praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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