“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

Nahum 1:7

Nahum was written as a warning to the kingdom of Nineveh to demonstrate God’s sovereignty in judgment and salvation. It’s a caution against sinners of God’s righteous justice while encouraging followers of God’s unfailing redemptive purpose in advancing his kingdom against all opposition. We can use this message today and apply it to our wickedness toward God.

The majority of society today does not believe in God as the ultimate authority. Most everyone follows their idols, whether they are different gods, fame, fortune, or ourselves. The same can be found in the book of Nahum, which was written almost 3,000 years ago. It’s sad to see that not much has changed regarding godliness in that long time.

Back then, Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was committing heinous acts of debauchery, evil, and disobedience against God. Their sinfulness caused God to send Nahum as a prophet to tell them about the upcoming judgment against their people. This would eventually come as an invasion of the Babylonian Empire about 50 years after this prophecy was given.

While God shows his power through his justice against sin, his goodness is also immeasurable. While he does exact justice upon the Assyrians, he is also ready to forgive those who have wronged him. Those who sin against him can still find peace and mercy. The beauty of God’s grace is that he accepts anyone who comes to him. If we truly seek him and honor him, he welcomes us with open arms. God is a fortress that secures us from any calamity. Ironically, the Lord, who is the source of wrath, is the only refuge against that wrath. Safety is found not by trying to escape but by fleeing to the Lord.

Sin may abound immensely in this world, but we can have comfort knowing that we can run to God to save us from our sins. He sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us to give us that freedom. He offers us salvation and hope. If we can repent and turn to him, he will be that stronghold for us. He will keep us safe from the enemy and rescue us from the clutches of death. God’s grace is enough. 

This week, pray about how you can seek the Lord like a stronghold in your life. Detect the temptations around you, flee from them, and find security in the grace of God.