Known!

Known! 

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7 KJV

Context and Charge:

Nahum here received a revelation about God from different dimensions. Can you imagine the depth and scope of the revelation of God as a jealous God, who is filled with wrath at iniquity, and who punishes sin? Do you know what it takes to be shown the side of God with his fierce anger, and whose wrath is poured out like fire? Is that a God you want to joke with or to ignore his warnings? We are now in an age and time when it is not convenient to speak about this side of God. We want to make him attractive, so we speak only about his love and mercy. Whilst that is all true, it is also equally true that mercy has an alternative. If I will come to God, it is proper that I know who He is and what He expects, so I don't make costly mistakes. It is therefore important for me to critically consider this question at this time: "Which God have I come to know?"

The answer to that question has both earthly and eternal ramifications. It is a personal answer, with nothing to do with whatever any other person is doing. Today's extract looks at 4 dimensions to that answer. First, God is good. Yes, He is, no matter what the reality around me is. The fact that I do not yet have it does not mean that it will not come, and if it doesn't come, it means the good God does not intend for me to have it. It leads into the second, which is that the day of trouble will definitely come, but if I am constantly dependent on the good God, I am assured of a good end. He is called a stronghold in that day of trouble. Because He is good, he is the secure option on the day that everything falls to pieces. We do not know when that day will come, but the provision of God for that day is already in place. Talk about prepaid security. 

Contention and Conclusion:

His knowledge of all of us, as well as those who trust in Him, are the last 2 dimensions to that answer. God is omniscient; nothing is hidden from Him. Even in the deepest darkness, everything is light to Him. It will therefore amount to foolishness for anyone to think that s/he can hide anything from this God. We act like we are masters of our own destiny, or that our education, elocution, exposure, experience, energy, earnings or exertions are what gives us the provisions that we get. Unfortunately, there is such a big limit to what the above can secure for you, and because the world's system gives you, you have to keep using world's system to keep them in place. The world cannot give you that which it does not have, and it can't secure for you that which it does not understand.

With that specific knowledge highlighted above, now picture the blessings attached to fully trusting this God. Imagine also the folly of thinking you can make it on your own without help. For all who come to the saving knowledge of this God, they are known by Him and set apart for amazing blessings. He knows those who trust in Him, as well as those who are in it for what they can get out of Him. It was said of King Amaziah that he served God all the days of his life, but not with a perfect heart. No man could have said this; only the One who knows all secrets can say this. Forget pretence and hypocrisy; it is time to sincerely seek God out, so we can be known by Him. If He knows me, I enjoy all that is in Him. If He doesn't know me, it won't matter who else I know, no matter how connected they may be. God's time of favour is here.