Not Good Enough…
I supposed at some point growing up or when you were getting older, you suspected that you might not be good enough. On one hand, that feeling is likely rooted in some damaged self-esteem, maybe way back in your childhood. On the other hand, there are aspects that are likely true in some situations. For instance, as much as I loved baseball as a kid, I wasn’t good enough to play at the next level. And I could name many other times where that would be true.
However, the scriptures are clear; God is good. The prophet Nahum said it this way: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.” Maybe you have been in a worship service where someone has said, “God is good all the time,” followed by the congregation responding back, “All the time God is good.” And while it is a catchy phrase, it is also true. God is a good God and wants all his creation to know and experience his goodness.
Our problem is not a problem of goodness. Our problem is a struggle with sin. And it is out of the overwhelming goodness of God that he sent his son Jesus, that we might receive forgiveness for our sins so that we might fully know God, his love, and his daily presence from now on.
The book of Nahum comes after Jonah had preached to those in Nineveh and led the city to repent. Sadly, overtime Nineveh had slipped back into their rejection of God and fully embraced their sinful ways of the past. Nahum spoke of the judgement of God that was coming to them. But Nahum also spoke to his readers, to himself, and to us, reminding us that even though God brings about justice, he has provided a path forward for all who trust in him and take refuge in him in their day of trouble.
All year long I have prayed Nahum 1:7 daily. Quoting this verse each day is a declaration to God that I know he is good in every way and by declaring this truth, I am reminded to turn to God daily as my strength and refuge through every situation I face.
I follow this prayer with another verse in my daily prayers. This one is from Micah 7:7, “But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.”
Whatever today’s news may bring, whatever circumstances we might face with the next phone call or email, we can take comfort in the truths of these two small yet powerful verses.
The Lord is good.
He is a stronghold in the day of trouble.
He knows those who take refuge in him.
And no matter what is going on we can pray:
But as for me, I will look to the Lord.
I will wait on the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
And friend, he will bring the comfort, the love, the strength, and the deliverance we need. God is good. Today we can choose to put aside our frustrations and insecurities when we wonder if we are good enough. Today we can trust in our good, good Father who created us in his image, has forgiven us of our sins, made us heirs of his kingdom, and promises to be with us through whatever may come today and all the way until we stand in his presence in eternity.
Father, today we choose to come to you with boldness because you are good and faithful. You are full of love, mercy, and grace. We trust that your grace is sufficient for us in every way. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and increase our faith, that we might lean on you completely today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Nahum 1:7; John 10:27 ESV
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
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