Who is Your Stronghold in Times of Trouble?

O. T. #2212 "Who is Your Stronghold in Times of Trouble?"

June 13, 2022

Nahum 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

What do you do when a storm arises? The other day we were having some strong winds and heavy rain. I go from window to window, looking out at what is going on. I saw our huge pecan tree branches swaying toward the west in the wind, which is unusual, for they usually sway east. (Storms usually come from the west here.) I wondered what was going on. Could it have been a tornado above? Don't know for sure, but I was relieved to have been inside the house that has rock, native stone, around the bottom half. It became my refuge in the storm. However, I know that ultimately, God was there with me, my strong hold. 

So far, we have discovered many things about our God:

1. He is a jealous God who takes vengeance on His enemies.
2. He is a long-suffering God who is slow to anger.
3. He is a God of power whom none can resist.
4. He is a good God who is a refuge to those who love Him. (Falwell)

Are you in need of a refuge today? Does trouble seem to have you surrounded? I don't know who you are, where you are in your walk of faith, nor how you are doing today, but I do know that God is good. He loves you, wants to save you, wants to bless you, wants to protect and provide for you, as for me.

O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so... (Ps. 107:1-2)

When a strong storm comes, we want to be in a good strong shelter, right? Well, God wants to be that shelter for us. He is our strong hold.

Strong, in Hebrew, means a fortified place; defense; rock; strength.

Hold means fortification; defender; castle; fenced; fortress.

So when the enemy comes knocking, don't answer, run to Jesus. Better yet, rebuke him. Jesus can calm the storms, like He did the disciples on the Sea of Galilee.

To those who love God, His mercy is a refuge and stronghold, suppling all their needs without diminishing His supply.

LET IT GROW

To those who refuse to believe, God's punishment is like an angry fire. 

Verse 8 tells us that the LORD will sweep away His enemies in an over whelming flood. He will pursue His foes into the darkness of night.

Because God is good, He must address evil; He cannot let it go unanswered. So Nineveh will be completely destroyed as God promised. He will be like an overwhelming flood that sweeps them away.

What kind of relationship will you choose? Are you on God's side or against Him, an enemy? Which relationship will you choose-friend or foe, for or against?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, things are getting tough today. I know You said they persecuted You and will do so to us believers. Please be our stronghold, our refuge, our strength in time of trouble. Bless those who are in foreign countries, for they have a different struggle there.

One day this will all be over and we will forever be with You in heaven. Until then...