Reliance on the Lord

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, …”- Nahum 1:7

          In roughly 760 B.C., Jonah was sent to Nineveh to save it from God’s wrath. They repented in sackcloth and ashes seeking the forgiveness of God. (Jonah 3) Apparently the Ninevites fell prey to disobedience again in the future because in 612 B.C. Nineveh fell. The book of Nahum contains a vision the prophet saw regarding the fate of Nineveh. In the midst of the declaration regarding God’s anger against the Ninevites we find this gem which is as true today as it was back then. 

          Through faith we know that God is good. The scriptures make endless references to that very fact. He is a fortress of strength and a haven of rest for us even in our darkest hour. Too many people down through history have relied on their own wits and plans for survival. Folks fail to accept the universal dilemma that we all face; we are a selfish, sinful lot whose main goal in life is to do our own thing. It seems as though it isn’t until man is at the absolute end of his rope that he even remotely considers God. We should all be grateful for the patience He has with us, for without it we would have been wiped from the face of the earth long ago. 

We were created to worship and praise God. Those who have placed their trust in Almighty God will be taken care of one way or the other. God is the first place we should turn, not the last resort when all else fails. God has a plan for each of us. He desires that we should prosper, even as our soul prospers. He desires that we live in peace and seek to serve others. He is our refuge and our tower of strength. There is no one like our God. He cares for us without question or hesitation because He knows us intimately and desires that we know Him the same way. We will not trust Him until we know Him, and we cannot know Him if we do not spend significant and meaningful time with Him. 

          As we embark on a new year, make it a natural and regular part of your day to read a bit of the Bible. Make it a time when all is quiet, and life is at a lull. Ask God to help you find that time. A single moment with God is better than hours doing anything else. Always remember: God cares for those who trust in and rely on Him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries