A Stronghold for you in Troubled Times

The prophet Nahum brings a divine revelation of gloom - and coming judgment. His name means compassionate, or full of comfort.

The wrath of God is against wicked Nineveh, a city known for its violence and oppression of God’s people. God is jealous. He wants your exclusive worship and loyalty.

God is just; He will punish the guilty. Thankfully, God is patient.

The Bible tells of judgment to come. We should prepare to meet God.

Nahum tells of God’s gracious protection towards us, His people:
7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

The Lord is GOOD. In other words, He is loving, kind, and gracious.

The Lord is a STRONG HOLD. It speaks of a fort, a defence, a strength. He offers assurance and safety and refuge.

Notice, it says The LORD is good, a strong hold IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE… It’s saying you can trust Him. In your very worst of days.

If we are in Christ we are safe. For you that place your trust in Him - you have a sure strong hold and fortress.

1. The Lord is Good
1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

God is faithful. God is good.

We can know the goodness of God even when life is hard and we struggle.

Psalms 33:5 …the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. God's goodness is evident in the wonder of His creation. He offers you salvation and peace in your soul.

Psalms 34:8-10 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. We can know His salvation. His forgiveness.

God is good, in all our situations of life. And we can surely thank Him for His goodness. Psalm 107:8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

God is good. Because…
God is love.
He is faithful.
He keeps His promises.
God is for us.
I am blessed with every spiritual blessing.
He is the God of all comfort.
He is my rock.
He is true.
He is our Peace.

He is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
He loves us with an everlasting love.
He redeems my life.
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have been adopted as God’s child.
I have eternal life.

I have access by faith into this grace wherein I stand.
I am accepted in the beloved.
I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
He saves to the uttermost.
He brought me up, out of the miry clay.
He set my feet on the rock to stay.
He has delivered me from the power of darkness.
He has made us His own precious possession.
I have redemption through His blood.
He has purchased us with His own blood.

2. The Lord is a Strong Hold in the day of trouble

It tells us here of our stronghold - our fortress - He gives protection to those who trust in Him. We can find our sure comfort and glad hope in this. In Him. Because…
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

A Refuge speaks of shelter, of protection from danger. I am saved by grace through faith. We are secure and safe, in His safekeeping. We are kept by the power of God. We are under His wings.

He is our defence. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. He is a strong and mighty tower.

Even in time of destruction and chaos, and loss, God’s people can know security and safety in God. Even when we face fears and stress.

Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Faith is more powerful than any fear. Nothing can separate me from the love of God. He is a refuge for those who trust in Him.

The choicest perfume comes from the bruising and crushing of rose petals. Sometimes we are at our best when life crushes us and we run to the refuge of a Holy God.

In the midst of trials and tests, He is ever faithful.

He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He will wipe away all tears. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. His hand will wipe away every tear from your eyes. This one who loves you so.

Surely, truly, the Lord is good.

Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He is my refuge. In Him will I trust.

This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith!

Come to the refuge.

3. The Lord knows them that trust in Him

He knows you, through and through, and He still loves you.

God will deliver His own people. We can find comfort in His protection. He promises it.

Have you found refuge in God? Where will you turn in the day of trouble?

Trust in the Lord today. Entrust your heart to Him.