The Lord Knows Those Who Are His

"The Lord is good, a strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who trust in Him."
(Nahum 1:7)

"He knows those who trust in Him."

What an amazing thought. The Lord our God KNOWS us. He recognizes us, has knowledge of and understands us. Wow! I especially appreciate the fact that He understands us, don't you?

My husband and I have been married for 28 years. By now, we truly understand each other. I know what makes Him tick. I know how he is going to respond to a situation long before it actually happens. Why? Because I KNOW him.

And I love him.

2 Timothy 2:19 reads, "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His.'"

John 10:14, "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own."

Have you ever thought about the definition of 'Shepherd'? The Greek word is poimen (poy-mane) which means "one who tends, leads, guides, cherishes, feeds and protects a flock." Isn't this beautiful? We are cherished by the One who made us.

Let's put this all together.

The Lord? He is good. His mercy overflows into the lives of His children. He is our refuge in the day of trouble. That's what a stronghold is - a refuge, a bastion, fortress, bulwark, citadel.

That makes me think of the old hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther:

A Mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood, of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing;
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And tho' this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thro' us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours, thro' Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.

Amen? God's truth abideth still!

The Lord is GOOD.
The Lord is our stronghold in the day of trouble.
And the Lord knows us and understands us and holds us in the palm of His hand.

Father, What a wonderful God You are. You are mighty in power, faithful in mercy. Your love endures forever. Thank You for letting us know we are cherished. We cherish You, also. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. You are the author and the finisher of our faith. Help us to comprehend the magnitude of these truths. Thank You for Your love. You are precious to us.