Nahum 1:7

Verse of the Day: Nahum 1:7

“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” – Nahum 1:7

This is another verse that speaks of the Lord watching out for His own.  However, those who are enemies of His or His own He will address.  Look at verses 2-3.  “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.  The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. “These verses show that He will not quickly become angry, however, if they do not turn to Him, they will suffer great consequences.

We who are His children, will be protected.  He watches over us and when we find ourselves in trouble, He is our stronghold.  Think of a great fortress where evil people are doing all they can to get to us, yet we are inside with no fear; knowing they cannot get to us.  When the enemy comes against us, having placed our whole life in His hands, he will never reach us for the Lord is our stronghold and fortress.  Always remember, when the enemy comes against us, we will overcome through the power of God.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Psalm 9:9

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 9:9

“The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;” – Psalm 9:9  

We all go through trials from time to time.  Times when we feel oppressed by someone or something, such as a government or corporation, or anything that brings anxiety to our lives.  The writer of this psalm, David, experienced this many times, especially during the period where Saul was king over Israel.  It is important that we realize that God is not unaware of our circumstances.  He is well aware of what we are going through and is there the help us through it.

The Lord is our stronghold and refuge.  This term refers to a place at a great height or altitude.  It is a place which is not accessible by our enemies or where they can see us; a secure place that provides protection from danger.  Note the wording.  He does not take us to a refuge, He is our refuge.  He states in another verse a similar idea.  “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3.  And again, “They band themselves together against the life of the righteous And condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has been my stronghold, And my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:22.

And God wants us to do the same.  He wants us to trust in Him completely during times of trial, anxiety and oppression.  Call out to Him.  We must go to our prayer closets or other quiet place and call out to Him for help.  In fact, we must always focus on the Lord, for when we do it becomes easier to be at peace.  One of my favorite verses regarding this idea is also written by David in the psalms.  “I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:18.  David continually kept himself in the presence of the Lord, and this is how we must live as well. At all times, day and night.  During our private meditations as well as our public professions.  It must become a natural position for us; humbly in His presence.

Also, note in this verse, ‘He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.’  The right hand was regarded as the post of honor and dignity.  It was also mentioned as a position of defense or protection.  The idea is that to have someone at our right hand is to have someone near us who can defend us.  “For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul.” Psalm 109:31.  He will save us from those who pronounce a harsh or wrong judgement against us; from those who condemn us in our innocence.

We must always remember that no matter how difficult things get, we have a place of refuge.  Regardless of how things look, We have a stronghold.  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” Psalm 27:1.  We have no reason to fear or be downcast, for we have a God who is on our side and can never be defeated.  We can take comfort in this and praise Him for all His goodness to us throughout our trials.  He will protect us, and who better to place our lives and trust in?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.