“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” – Nahum 1:7
As we go through days of trouble, pain and hardship, we often need to consider and be reminded of the divine attribute of God’s goodness. At all times, and especially in those moments, our attention must be drawn to the testimony of the Scriptures. “You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:68) God is good and does good. We too need to be taught by Him. Our understanding needs to be brought in line with this truth in His Word. His goodness is perfect and infinite. He is the definition of good. There is nothing in Him or true of Him that isn’t good. God is good all of the time, in every possible way. “How great is His goodness” (Zechariah 9:17).
The prophet Nahum would agree with King David when David said in Psalm 34, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Blessed is the one who has tasted His goodness, trusts and takes refuge in the living, triune God. He knows to whom he should run. The sanctuaries of the world, even of his own heart promise much, but deliver little as they only give what is shallow and fleeting. They always disappoint, whereas God provides in ways that are far beyond what we can ask or think.
God’s goodness is evident in many other ways as well. For example:
- It is a description of His character. God is pure. He isn’t evil, hates sin, and can’t be tempted by evil (James 1:13).
- God’s goodness is also connected to His justice. God not only abhors evil, but also punishes it. (Exodus 34:6-7)
- God’s goodness is seen in His benevolence to His creation in His good providence. The earth is full of His goodness (Psalm 33:5). He gives food to all flesh (Psalm 136:25). “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:9) He gives rain to the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45).
- In His special love for us, His people, His goodness is evident as Jesus came, lived a perfect life, suffered and died for us, receiving the punishment for our sins. He is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:23-26). Further, God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
- Last week, we considered God’s protection of His people. This is also demonstrates His goodness. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
- God’s goodness is seen in His mercies. (Romans 9:14-24)
There is much more that could be said, things to meditate on as we consider God’s goodness. However, I encourage you to open your Bible today and study the passages above and others on the subject. There are many to glean from. Become well acquainted with the goodness of our God. Are you discouraged, weary, maybe even doubtful today? Put your doubts to rest and stand in renewed confidence in the goodness of your God as He reveals Himself in His Word. Praise Him and thank Him for His goodness, even and especially in your days of trouble. Take refuge in Him. He is and will always be your stronghold. Amen. Praise God for His Word!