“The Lord is good—a stronghold in the day of trouble—and he knows them that trust in Him.”
Nahum 1:7
When we know Him. . .really, really know Him. . .and know He knows us. . .we’ll not fear what’s happening around us.
“Doom, despair and agony on me.”
That’s all we seem to hear these days. Newspaper headlines are full of terrorist attacks, failing economies, graft and corruption on every hand, etc. And, if we’re not careful, such bad news will take its toll on us—zapping us of our strength and robbing us of our joy.
But, today’s Manna reminds us of the key in “moving from strength to strength” (Ps. 84:7a) in the spiritual realm.
First, like the Psalmist Asaph in his insight “Psalm of Perplexity and Praise” (Ps. 73) and the prophet, Nahum, we must preface everything we say and do by the words “The Lord is good” (Ps. 73:1).
By nature, our minds are “hostile toward God” (Rom. 8:7a), wanting to blame God for everything and calling Him into question over why things are happening or not happening the way they are. Yet, just as He sat Job down and reminded Him of Who He is (Job 38:1 -41:34), we must respond as Job did and say “I know that You can do everything and that no thought can be withheld from You. . .therefore have I uttered that I understood not—things too wonderful for me, which I knew not” (Job 42:2-3). And, it is this awareness of His Greatness and our utter wretchedness that drives us to our knees, realizing our only Hope is in His Grace and Mercy (Is. 6:1-8; Lam. 3:21-23; Acts 4:12).
As we base our lives upon this Rock-solid Truth, we also come to realize that He, and He alone, is our “stronghold (Heb. ‘ma ‘owz’—‘fortified place, fortress, refuge, defense, etc.’) in the day of trouble.” And, we also find assurance in knowing “He knows them that trust in Him.” Hallelujah!!
Oh, dear Pilgrim, never forget our God is a “sparrow-watching, hair-counting, tear-counting God” (Mt. 6:26; 10:29-31; Ps. 56:8). He knows everything about us “from the womb to the tomb” and “His thoughts toward us are precious” (Ps. 139:17-18). Likewise, He has promised to guide our steps and “give us perfect peace” as we keep our eyes on Him (Prov. 3:5-6; Is. 26:3; Phil. 4:4-9; Heb. 12:2).
Nahum’s message was not a popular or politically-correct one; but, it was one that was needed—both then and now.
As we live as “salt and light” in a world of ever-increasing darkness (Mt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:15-16), we should always remember a light shines brighter the darker it gets. And, so should it be with those who are called by Christ’s Name. Do not “hide your light (witness) under a bushel” where no one else can see (Mt. 5:15); instead, “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Mt. 5:16). Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 10, 2010
