Three Things God Is For Us
Base Text: Nahum 1:7 (NKJV) “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
Introduction: Three Eternal Truths
A. The prophet Nahum, though speaking of judgment, introduces us to three magnificent attributes of God—three eternal truths that perfectly describe His unwavering character.
These truths are not merely theological concepts to be understood; they are living realities meant to be experienced. They are an inexhaustible source of joy, comfort, and security for the children of God in every circumstance.
I. God Is Good
Text: Nahum 1:7a “The Lord is good…”
A. Goodness is God’s Essential Attribute
The very essence of God is goodness. Jesus Himself affirmed this exclusive truth: “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Matthew 19:17). In Him, there is no malice, no evil, and no shadow of turning. His nature is perfectly, entirely good.
B. The Evidence of God’s Goodness
The Psalmist often confirmed this truth: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). Psalm 107 then demonstrates God’s goodness through concrete examples:
• He provides for those wandering in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4–9).
• He frees those who are prisoners (Psalm 107:10–16).
• He heals the sick and those near death (Psalm 107:17–22).
• He protects sailors tossed by the sea (Psalm 107:23–32).
C. God’s Goodness is Permanent and Just
God’s goodness is not conditional or changing like human goodness. “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He will instruct sinners in the way” (Psalm 25:8–9). His goodness is connected to His righteousness.
D. Universal and Unmerited Goodness
God’s goodness extends even to those who reject Him. Jesus taught us that God “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). This common grace is proof that He is inherently good.
Application: The goodness of God should lead us to profound gratitude, unwavering trust, and willing obedience. He is always working for our ultimate good, even when we cannot trace His steps or understand His methods.
II. God Is Our Stronghold
Text: Nahum 1:7b “...a stronghold in the day of trouble…”
A. A Secure Refuge in Anguish
A stronghold is a fortress, a high tower, a place of ultimate defense. In times of distress and anguish, God is our secure refuge. “The Lord is my strength and song” (Exodus 15:2). He defends and protects those who trust in Him.
B. The Testimony of the Fortress
The Psalmist bore powerful witness to this attribute:
• “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:1–2).
• “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
• “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7–8).
C. Deliverance from the Enemy
The ultimate security of the righteous rests in God: “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them” (Psalm 37:39–40). He promises to deliver those who trust in Him, just as He rescued righteous Lot from the destruction of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7–8).
D. Accessible and Ever-Present Strength
The beautiful truth is that this strength is always accessible. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He is “A stronghold to the poor, a refuge from the storm” (Isaiah 25:4).
E. Strength Manifested Through His Servants
God strengthens His people actively:
• Samson cried out, “Remember me, I pray, and strengthen me” (Judges 16:28).
• Jonathan strengthened David’s hand “in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Application: God does not promise to exempt us from every trial, but He promises to be our perfect strength in the midst of those trials. His power is perfected in our weakness.
III. God Knows His People
Text: Nahum 1:7c “...and He knows those who trust in Him.”
A. Intimate Knowledge of His Own
The final promise is the most personal: God knows intimately those who place their trust in Him. We are not strangers to Him; we are His people, His precious possession. He knows those who truly belong to Him (2 Timothy 2:19).
B. He Knows Our Needs and Our Path
Before we even utter a prayer, God is aware of our situation. “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
• “The Lord knows the way of the righteous” (Psalm 1:6).
• Job declared, “He knows the way that I take” (Job 23:10).
• David marveled: “You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off” (Psalm 139:1–4).
C. Known Since Before Birth
God's knowledge is eternal, extending back even before our physical existence. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5).
D. Jesus Demonstrated this Divine Knowledge
Jesus exemplified this perfect, intimate knowledge of the Father:
• He knew the hidden thoughts of the Pharisees (Luke 5:22).
• He knew Nathanael before he ever came to Him (John 1:47–48).
• He assures us, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:14).
E. Knowledge Paired with Love and Care
God's perfect knowledge is paired with perfect, loving care. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30).
Application: Because God knows us better than we know ourselves, we can fully surrender to His direction and find perfect confidence in His counsel and care.
See Also
Conclusion: Living in Confidence
A. Nahum 1:7 provides three eternal pillars that must sustain our faith:
1. God is Good.
2. God is our Stronghold.
3. God knows His People.
B. These three truths reveal a God who is personal, powerful, and utterly faithful to the slightest detail of our lives.
C. Therefore, we are called to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
D. There is no reason left to fear or to doubt. God is good, He is strong, and He is intimately acquainted with every step of our journey.
Let us live confidently in Him, rejoicing in His goodness, trusting in His protection, and resting in His perfect, all-knowing care.
