The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, Nahum 1:7 NIV
Nahum, the prophet, wrote these words of encouragement, but in what context were they given? Nahum was writing about the judgment of the wicked. God, being good, judges righteously. If we live in his will, we can count on the Lord being a refuge in our times of trouble.
You see, Jonah had warned Nineveh that they would suffer God’s wrath if they did not repent, and the people of Nineveh repented. One hundred-fifty years later, the people of Nineveh had fallen away from God, and Nahum had the burden of declaring the consequence of their return to sinfulness.
God Is Patient and Just
The message is clear, God is slow to anger but he is just. For those who put their trust in him, the Lord is a refuge in times of trouble. For those who live in rebellion to God’s will, he is patient but ultimately his justice prevails. To demonstrate our trust, we live by his will, seeking the Lord at all times.
We look to God in good times and in bad. He is always there for us. In times distres, he is our hiding place and comfort. In good times of abundance, he is at the center of our praise and thanksgiving.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your mercy. Thank you for what Jesus has done for my salvation and thank you for justice. You are my refuge in times of trouble. I repent from my sin and forgive those who have offended me. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: When the Righteous Cry Out
