Strongholds

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7, nkjv

Knowing that God is good is not something that you readily proclaim when your world is collapsing unless you feel His hand guiding you through the crisis.

Nahum, a prophet of the 7th century BC, saw his world collapse, yet with suffering all around him, he wrote, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). How do you learn that God is good? There is only one way: By being in a difficult situation and finding that God is all that you need. Never will you fully taste His grace until you are at the point of desperation and find the security of taking refuge in Him.

Nahum says that God is a stronghold. To understand that concept, we have to turn back to the days when cities were primarily protected by walls. But even then military leaders and VIPs would, on occasion, build a fortress – a stronghold – which was virtually impossible to breach.

And Nahum adds a kind of disclaimer – one which gives comfort to you who are sincere. He says, “He knows those who trust in Him.”

Just as a father knows the cry of his child, so does God know your voice and your heart cry. Nahum said, “He knows those who trust in Him.” Find a secret place where you daily reach out to the Father and say, “Lord, I need your help today. Please walk with me and help me to accomplish Your will and purpose.”

Then when trouble comes, you can run quickly to that place and take refuge in the goodness of a God who will never fail you. He is your stronghold.