2008-09-18 09:58:00
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7)
Last night we gathered in the sanctuary and had special prayer for a young man in our church who is having surgery today for a brain tumor. Prior to the anointing service our friend Mike led out in the hymn, To God Be the Glory and then implored us to "lean hard on God." I like that expression and tucked it into my heart. I trust that Jared's family is leaning hard on God today.
Following Pastor's anointing of oil and the many prayers offered up by his supporters Jared sat with his parents on the front row. A line formed as Jared's friends and family gave him a personal word of encouragement and reassurance of their ongoing prayers. Many tears were shed and hugs exchanged. He and his family surely gained inner strength from knowing others are also bearing their burden. Just over a week ago Jared's life was routine with one day simply blending into another before the tumor was discovered.
Today we share a word of hope and encouragement from one of the most obscure Old Testament prophets. Nahum served and spoke for God during very troubling times as Assyria was tormenting the people of God. This oppression caused a troubling yet frequently asked question. How could God allow such inhumanity to go unanswered?
In different ways we may ask the same question today, particularly during "times of trouble". We again consider our Christian brothers and sisters throughout many parts of the world who are being persecuted or are otherwise suffering. On a personal level you may be in the heat of a difficult trial and you may wonder, "Where is God when I hurt?"
The prophet Nahum speaks through the Holy Scriptures, the inspired and inerrant Word of God, with a great message for us and our brethren around the world.
1) "The Lord is good!" This attribute is insufficiently pondered today. It is so well assumed that it's taken for granted by most. But what if the Supreme Being of the universe was not good? That's a thought that I find hard to even comprehend and have no desire to ponder in depth of just how dreadful life would be if it were true. But Psalm 100:5 reminds us, "For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."
2) He's "a refuge in times of trouble." The Hebrew word for refuge conveys a fortified place; a defense: force, fortress, rock, strength. What a great assurance during the inevitable times of trouble! Jesus is the rock in a weary land. He is an anchor in the times of storm. "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil" (Proverbs 10:29).
3) "He cares for those who trust in Him." Here's our part; we must trust. When we are in the middle of a tunnel, with darkness behind and darkness before us, God still calls us to trust, to lean hard on Him. When we're in the valley of deepest despair we must trust. When we're on the spiritual mountain we still must trust! A very familiar New Testament verse many have memorized instructs the believer not to carry the heavy burdens of life in their own strength but to "cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7). Our Lord Jesus is the great Burden Bearer.
Finally today, hear the word of the Psalmist, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). Today let us lean hard on our steadfast refuge!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we want to trust You at all times – in the good times and in troubled times. Thank You for Your promise that You will not let us drown when we pass through the deep waters. We will not be burned nor will the flames hurt us when we walk through the raging fires that seek to engulf us. We don't have to be afraid because You have saved us and called us by name. You are truly our Refuge and we pour out our hearts out to You for all that we have need of. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
See Isaiah 43:1,2
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