Our God is Good, Strong, and Knows Us Intimately
Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
Nahum is a prophet whose message was about the destruction of Nineveh. Remember Jonah, he held a revival meeting in Nineveh some 150 years prior to Nahum. Jonah was angry when Nineveh repented and God turned His wrath from them. Here we are again, visiting the same circumstances just 150 years later in time. In the midst of Nahum's prophecy, we are reminded of the goodness of God and His strength and ability to protect us.
Barnes' in his Notes on the Bible states: "The Lord is good and doing good, and is also a stronghold in the day of trouble. He is full of sweetness; He is both good and mighty; good in giving Himself and imparting His goodness to His own. God Himself is the stronghold wherein His own may take refuge; for "He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God knows intimately those who are trusting in Him. He knows us individually, He is ever-present, and His knowledge is full and complete concerning those who trust in Him. He says not only, "He shall own them," but He ever "knoweth them." So it is said; "The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous..." (Psalm 1:6a), "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright..." (Psalm 37:18a); and our Lord Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep..." (John 10:14), and Paul states, "...The Lord knoweth them that are His..." (2 Timothy 2:19).
May we place our trust in none other than the Good and Strong God who Saved Us!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. In relation to God’s attributes, how does His love influence your life?
2. When was the last time you ran to God for shelter? How did He protect you?
3. God knows us intimately. What about your life would bring God the greatest pleasure? What do you need to repent of or change?