DEVOTION – DAY 565

Nahum 1:7-8 “The Lord Is Goo

Nahum 1:7-8 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood, he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.”

In the Old Testament, the city of Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were known to be ruthless oppressors and had already conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel. The probable date of this passage would have been around 618BC. At that time, the southern Kingdom of Judah was also feeling the threat of oppression from the Assyrians. Thus, God used prophets like Nahum to give comfort to his people in Judah. God reminded His people that He is the good God. He is their refuge in times of trouble. God cares for those who trusts in Him. God also promises that He would destroy Nineveh and the Assyrians – they would be overcome just as if they were subdued by an overwhelming flood (v8). 

We know someone who faced multiple challenges. He faced health issues in his family. He faced marital issues common in any marital relationship. He faced financial issues because of the rising cost of living, and a stagnant salary. He felt the weight and burden of trying to shoulder the responsibilities of the whole family. There were days when God seemed remote. This was especially the case when he allowed his problems and challenges to shift his focus away from God, and all he could see were obstacles, difficulties, and trouble ahead of him. 

In his despair, he cried out to God. He remembered that the Lord is good. The Lord is his refuge in times of trouble. The Lord cares for those who trust in Him. So, instead of focusing on his troubles and issues, he decided to turn to God to trust in Him. His problems did not disappear overnight, but the Lord gave him the strength to face each day, to tackle one challenge or problem at a time. What seemed unmanageable became manageable. He could only thank God for giving him the strength, wisdom and power to work at his issues, one at a time. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are good. Thank you for being our refuge in times of trouble. Thank you for your care, provision and help. Please help us to always trust in you, to turn to you, to depend upon you and not on ourselves. We humbly ask in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. How has God been your refuge in times of trouble? Share.
  2. Why is it important for us to turn to God and trust in Him, and not on other people, our own devices or friends? Share and Discuss.
  3. What problems, issues and challenges are you facing recently that threatens to overwhelm you?
  4. How have you been trying to resolve these challenges, issues and problems? Have you turned to God and asked Him for help?