June 17


A Bottom Line Reminder


The LORD is good,

A stronghold in the day of trouble;

And He knows those who trust in Him.


Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)


Nahum knew the power of the Lord’s love. Jonah too, probably more than anyone else in His day, understood the greatness of God’s compassion, and certainly Isaiah appreciated these truths as well. So can you.

For these three, the disturbing thing was Assyria that terribly wicked, cruel force to the east. The once mighty nation that called present-day Iraq home, Assyria was in fact the storm that leveled the Northern Kingdom of Israel yet was prevented by God from harming Judah to the south. Try as it would, Assyria failed to capture Judah, because God knew His own. He preserved them for His own purposes. The storm of Assyrian evil was, in time, snuffed out.

Many today talk of other storms: physical threats from the likes of terrorists at home or abroad, or financial threats like current day sub-prime woes and our decaying dollar. But for many, today’s troubles are more basic: empty celebrations at the happiest time of year, the reality of deteriorating relationships, or struggling with personal health issues. For too many, it is dealing with disease, poverty, or hunger ... or simply staying alive. Whatever trouble stares us in the face this New Year we all have this hope: He knows those who trust in Him. Yes, God looks after and takes care of His own (Matt 6:31-34). As we begin a new year, above all else, this is the thing to remember.

All He asks is for us to trust in Him.

This year, believe this: the LORD is good!


Father, as we begin a new year, thanks for the reminder. You are good. We can trust in You!