Nahum 1-3, Psalm 11
Nahum 1:7-8 (NLT)
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night.”
In Nahum 1:7-8, the prophet Nahum, who was delivering the Lord’s message of judgment against Nineveh, tells the people that in times of distress they can seek Father-God, who is a strong fortress. The Lord knows all those who trust Him because they are in relationship with Him. At the same time, the Lord does not allow wickedness to go unpunished. Nineveh was known as a wicked and cruel city and was an enemy of Israel. Father-God will punish those who oppose Him. The destruction of Nineveh also served as a warning to all nations that oppose the Lord and His people.
These verses serve as a reminder to believers that the Lord is a refuge and protector for those who believe in Him. Father-God knows those who trust in Him because He is in a covenant relationship with His people. But the Lord’s love is not unconditional, and He will judge wickedness in both people and nations. The prophecy of Nahum came true when Nineveh was destroyed by a coalition of Babylonians and their allies. One Bible commentary I read noted that unusually heavy rains caused the rivers to flood, undermining the city walls and allowing the invading armies to enter the city.
Nahum’s prophecy coming true reminds believers that the Lord’s Word is true and powerful and that His promises and warnings will come to pass. But it also means believers can trust in the Lord when they enter into a covenant relationship with Him. We can be assured of Father-God’s faithfulness, protection, and goodness.
These verses, which come in the midst of Nahum’s prophecy concerning Nineveh’s destruction, show me that there are blessings in choosing righteousness instead of sin and cruelty. The people of Nineveh repented when they heard the preaching of Jonah a hundred years earlier, but they eventually returned to their sinful ways. If we trust in the Lord, we can seek refuge in Him and trust in His goodness. Even in times of judgment, believers can trust the Lord to deliver them.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is your refuge in times of distress—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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