For Nahum, every day was a bad day. His people—who had once stood proud and strong—hung their heads under the weight of poverty and shame. They were stripped of their freedom; their dignity stolen. They had to pay exorbitant taxes to Assyria just to hold on to what little freedom they had. Nahum’s prophet heart was heavy as he looked at the calendar that never changed. No quick turning of the page led to better days. He needed a refuge. His people needed a place to hide within long, bad days.
But tucked within the calendar of bad days was comfort from God—the Ancient of Days! The prophet found refuge in God’s comfort that would come to His people: “The LORD is good,” he cried, “a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. . . . Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace” (Nahum 1:7, 15 NLT).
No matter what you see written on the calendar of your life—trouble, sorrow, or fear—God also writes refuge and comfort across every day. He takes care of and comforts His people. You need never fear. God has not forgotten you.
The Assyrians were eventually brought to their knees, and their “endless cruelty” came to an end (3:19). We can take comfort in the truth that God does eventually punish evil, and He never overlooks it when His children are mistreated.
Do you need His comfort today? Look to God’s comfort to be your refuge in times of trouble. Better days are coming—the page will turn. Walking across the coming months and years on the calendar of your life are “the feet of [one] who bring[s] good news, who proclaim[s] peace” (Isaiah 52:7). Ask God to be your refuge today. Look for His peace to fill your day and be your comfort.