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Goodness of God
Psalm 136
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. —Psalm 136:1
“Why does the writer hammer home 26 times the theme that God’s faithful love endures forever? It’s because the enemy wants us to doubt it, especially when troubles come.”
Big Idea: God’s goodness is not based on our circumstances; it’s based on His character.
Big Question: What parts of God’s character make Him good?
Main Scripture: Nahum 1:1-7
This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh. 2 The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! 3 The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. 4 At his command the oceans dry up, and the rivers disappear. The lush pastures of Bashan and Carmel fade, and the green forests of Lebanon wither. 5 In his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed. 6 Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence. —Nahum 1:1-6
The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. —Nahum 1:7
1.) He is patient with our sin
The Lord is slow to get angry… —Nahum 1:3a
In the midst of judgment God remembers mercy; and among the most dreadful announcements of wrath, He mingles promises of grace. —Adam Clarke
The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
—Exodus 34:6
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise (of coming again), as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. —2 Peter 3:9
2.) He is a place of safety in times of trouble
…a strong refuge when trouble comes. —Nahum 1:7b
The name of the LORD is a strong fortress (refuge); the godly run to him and are safe. —Proverbs 18:10
This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. —Psalm 91:2
In times of trouble, where do I run for refuge?
In times of trouble, where am I tempted to run for refuge?
3.) He is present for those who trust in Him
He is close to those who trust in Him. —Nahum 1:7c