Today as I was preparing for an upcoming week of prayer, I came across this thought in the book, The 100 Most Important Bible Verses for Teens, and I thought that I would share it with you. The Bible scripture focus is Nahum 1:7—“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; & He knows thouse who trust in Him.”
The people of Nineveh had messed up once before, & a hundred years later they were again choosing to live their own way. By indulging in their desires, they had removed themselves from the safety & protection of God. Getting your way has a certain appeal in the begging because it seems to offer freedom, fun, sensuality, & excitement. The appeal however, is lost once you realize your way may not be as good as God’s way for your life. His way for your life includes boundaries, but they are designed to ensure your safety.
Choosing to live according to God’s will is like choosing a safe shelter for your life. The Hebrew word for ‘stronghold’ used in Nahum 1:7 is ma’owz, which means ‘a place of safety, protection, refuge’. Imagine two houses. One house is more like a castle with a moat, tall solid walls, & thick wooden doors designed to keep anyone inside safe from harm. The other house has standard doors, walls, & windows. Living in God’s will is like living in the castle, compared to living in a regular house.
The people of Nineveh drifted back into the habit of doing things their way & ignoring God. As a result of ditching God’s ways, they left themselves unprotected & open to attack from their enemies. Speaking through Nahum, God called them back to the protection of His will. God will be there for you when pain, disappointment, & frustration threaten to invade your life. When you feel like you are under attack, whether at home, at school, or at work, God offers you His protection. Nahum’s message was this: God is good. Living within God’s loving will puts you in the most secure position you can be.
If you choose to live outside God’s boundaries, in a sense you’re choosing to live outside His protection. What areas of your life need to be brought with the walls of God’s stronghold?
Here is one of my favorite Praise & Worship songs, I invite you to not only meditate on the words, but to turn your life over to God, and live in the safety of His Will.
