But as I slowly made my way through Ezekiel’s chapters, many of which are anything but positive and wonderful, I started realizing that that repeated sentence usually came after a depressing prophecy from Ezekiel. Let’s take just the first 10 instances as examples. Here’s what immediately preceded each sentence, Then they will know that I am the LORD: 

• Ezekiel 6:7 – Ezekiel prophesied that towns would be laid to waste, high places and altars devastated, idols smashed and ruined, and people would die.
• Ezekiel 6:10 – Ezekiel prophesied that Israelite captives who escaped would remember that their sinful actions had caused God to grieve. They would loathe themselves for the evil they’d done.
• Ezekiel 6:13 – Ezekiel prophesied that people would die by sword, famine and plague. God’s wrath would be upon them.
• Ezekiel 6:14 – Ezekiel prophesied that God would stretch out His hand and make the land a desolate waste.
• Ezekiel 7:4 – Ezekiel prophesied that God would judge the Israelites for their sins and repay them accordingly. He would not look with pity or spare anyone.
• Ezekiel 7:27 – Ezekiel prophesied that God would turn His face away from Israel. He would let the most wicked nations take possession of people’s houses, and no peace would be found.
• Ezekiel 11:10 – Ezekiel prophesied that Israel’s leaders would die by the sword and face judgment.
• Ezekiel 11:12 – Ezekiel prophesied that God would execute judgment.
• Ezekiel 12:16 – Ezekiel prophesied that the Israelites would be scattered. He would spare a few from the sword, famine and plague so they would acknowledge all their detestable practices.
• Ezekiel 12:20 – Ezekiel prophesied that the Israelites would live in anxiety and despair because of violence. Inhabited towns would be laid to waste and made desolate.

Before going any further, let’s take a quick second to remember that God’s judgment and wrath is real and justifiable. Because He loves us, He does not let sin go unchecked. When we understand and acknowledge God’s right to be angry about the world’s evil, we can live in peace knowing He will make things right in His sovereign and perfect way. The Old Testament is full of examples of God’s wrath (the flood, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the defeat of the Egyptians, etc.). God hates sin, and so should we! But thankfully, in the New Testament, Jesus was willing to take on the fullness of God’s wrath through His crucifixion. He paid the required price for us to receive grace, mercy, forgiveness and eternal life in communion with God. Praise God for the life-saving gift of Jesus’ life that keeps us from bearing the brunt of the Father’s wrath and being doomed to eternal separation from Him. 

Now, back to Ezekiel… So much for happy blessings reminding us that God is God, right? I would much prefer to get a check for $1 million in the mail and be able to say, “Then I knew that God is the Lord!” That sounds a lot more inviting than famine, swords, plagues, desolation and death. Why do you think it had to be the terrible things that would make the Israelites recognize God as Lord? 

It finally dawned on me one day that this repeated line in Ezekiel perhaps does not function as an example of someone experiencing God’s goodness and being prompted to honor and recognize Him as Lord. I have yet to read in Ezekiel a happier prophecy, followed by, Then they will know that I am the LORD. But rather, I think the strategic placement of this line is meant to remind us that God has ultimate authority and control. When things aren’t going our way, that’s the perfect time to speak out, Now I know that He is the LORD. When you’re dealing with the natural consequences of your sin, when you’re seeing people around you suffer, when you’re tempted to question God’s goodness and love for you, those are the times to repeat to yourself, Now I know that He is LORD. 

It’s easier to surrender to God when He’s doing things our way. It’s a lot harder when we’re mixed up in the mess of the world. But just imagine how much more peace, stability and unshakeable joy you could live with if you chose to intentionally acknowledge God as God in every single situation? He is in control, and we are not—no matter how much we think we are. When we remember that He is sovereign over all people, all time and all places, we can truly cast our cares on Him and let Him bear them for us. When we remember that God is in control, we can surrender and embrace a life of security, trust and peace. When we remember that He is the LORD, we can live as His children and let Him lead and guide us. In times of blessing and times of struggle, God is God. Nothing happens apart from His approval. Will you trust Him today? Will you let Him be your LORD? 

If nothing else, at least remember that in your darkest moments, God is still God. It’s a lot easier and wiser to acknowledge Him as Lord than to tread water, desperately trying to find firm ground to stand on. Know that He will make all things right. You don’t need to worry about righting other people’s wrongs or administering judgment. Stand strong on His authority, trust in His perfect ways, and embrace a life of peace and joy like you’ve never known it before. Then you will know that He is the LORD!

So the next time you’re facing a difficulty of any kind, stop and literally say this out loud to God: Now I know that You are Lord! Let that acknowledgement of His mighty power and ultimate authority lead you to surrender, and may your surrender bring you comfort, peace and joy.