The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1: 7, NRSV.
Dear Father, we know from personal experience that You are good! Our heart’s desire is to learn more about You; learn from You; and learn to trust You more. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Thank God for this new day of life! As we open His Word we are greeted with this wonderful gem! It is a blessing to read it; and an even greater blessing, to accept it by faith! What is so special about this text, is the context in which it is found. At first glance, Nahum, chapter one, seems to be a rather gloomy chapter, until you read further; then you discover, that it is really God speaking out against the wicked, in defense of His people! And there, nestled in the midst of the chapter, is this wellspring of joy; this statement of victory; this reason to hope!
There are three main reasons why I find this text so endearing – because, “God is good!” He is a “stronghold in the day of trouble.” The third reason, is in keeping with the thought that we have been developing for approximately a week, more or less, “and He knows those who put their trust in Him.” Emphasis provided.
When I think of the many ways the LORD manifests His goodness, my heart is warmed within me! It was His goodness that made Him decide to put enmity between Himself (the seed of the woman), and the Serpent (the adversary). It was His goodness that made Him willing to have His heel bruised, in order to provide us healing with His stripes! It was His goodness that made Him leave the worship and praise of sinless, heavenly beings, and come to earth to take our place as a slave, and die as a criminal, in order to raise us up to the status of sons and daughters of the King of kings, and LORD of lords!
It was His goodness that made Him reach down, and raise me up off of my deathbed! When doctors were sure, that I would die, “mercy said no!” Now twelve years later, He still has me alive, and able, to share the “Good News of Salvation!” Hallelujah! Oh, what love!
He is “a stronghold in the day of trouble!” I am sure that if not all of you, then nearly all of you, heard me say that! I am sure that many of you have testimonies to share; that just when you thought you had come to the end of your rope; and the bottom of your world was falling out; and your walls of security were crumbling, God showed up for you; just in time; with the perfect solution to your problem! When all the odds were against you, God turned the impossibilities into sure solutions and salvaged you!
Because He knows everything, He “knows them that are His!” He saw Daniel’s enemies plotting against him, and He spoiled the lions’ appetite! He saw the fiery furnace being heated seven times hotter, and He commanded the molecules to “stand still.” The furnace became so cool that the Hebrew boys could relax, while waiting to be released! He knew that the butler would forget his promise to Joseph; so He gave Pharaoh dreams that would necessitate the services of a dreamer! He knew that Saul was headed in the wrong direction; so He threw him off his high horse! He knows those that are His, and He will do with them whatever is needed!