Nahum 1:7 AMPC
[7] The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.
The prophet Nahum is the one credited with the prophecy written as part of the verse above. At the time, Nineveh was a nation that was steeped in idolatry. Like all nations on earth at the time, including Israel, they all had an encounter with the God who hates and punishes unconfessed sin, no matter in whom it is found. It does not matter how close you have been to God, or how much He has used you in the past. Sin will make a mess of you and leave you at the risk of God's wrath. It is good to recall that the wages of sin has been death since the verse in Romans was first pronounced, and the wages remain death to this day. No amount of education, enlightenment, experience, empowerment or earnings can change the wages into anything less than death, unless the sinner repents. Do not joke with sin; its end is not good. Is there any audit I need to carry out on my life today?
It is interesting that it was Nineveh that was being warned here, not Israel. God is interested in every life He has created. Men may write you off, like Jonah did to this same nation, and would have preferred that God destroyed it. God would not let go. He would not hand over the nation to be destroyed without first giving it an opportunity to repent and return to Him. With God, you get limitless mercy but it cannot be taken for granted. With God, you get warnings before He punishes, but you do not know what the consequences of your actions may be. It is also interesting to note that the verse above is placed in the middle of the pronouncements of judgment upon the nation of Nineveh. God is speaking here of mercy, protection, strength and power for all who trust in Him. God is saying here that for as many as would put their hope in Him, not on the false tokens of men, they will experience all that God is and gives.
What do you think you can get that can beat what God offers here? The verse above lays it out clearly that God is good. Indeed, He is, and that determines what I get. Days of trouble will come, as a result of man's nature, but because I have Him, I have strength and a stronghold that is sufficient. Nothing gets to me without first touching Him. No harm can befall me without His permission, and the dosage and frequency will work for my good. That is what He offers, and it is for those who take refuge and trust in Him. Please do not make a claim on benefits you are not entitled to by birthright. Those who come to Christ come into a new relationship with God, and are now co-heirs with Christ. The Lord knows those who are His; He cannot be deceived by outward piety that is not matched with inner witness of the presence of God. He is stll very much at work; would you put your life in His hand and watch Him work? God's time of favour is here.
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