In the church I grew up the pastor would often say, “God is good!” Then the church would respond with, “All the time!” We’d repeat it back and forth several times, drilling into our hearts the truth of God’s goodness at all times.

Nahum gives a similar refrain that offers comfort—in good times and bad—to all who trust in the Lord: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble” (v. 7). Remember that the prophet makes this statement in the midst of a stark word of judgment against the people of Nineveh. In fact, Nahum continues his warning to Nineveh in verses 7–8: “He [the LORD] cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.”

We have very little trouble with Nahum’s statements about God’s goodness, His care “for those who trust in him” (v. 7), or His being a “refuge in times of trouble” (v. 7). However, we often struggle to understand that God’s goodness also encompasses His fierce judgment upon evil. But Nahum’s statements of God’s judgment are entirely consistent with his statements about God’s goodness. To put it another way, God’s judgment of sin and His promise to “pursue his foes into the realm of darkness” are because of His goodness. Good parents do not allow their children to harm others and rebel against them with no thought of consequences. No! Good parents discipline their children because they love them and because they are good.

As we think of God’s judgment against sin and His care for those who trust in Him, let’s take care to see both of these ways of dealing with people as rooted in God’s character as good, loving, and kind.

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