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

1.  Nahum proclaims the goodness of God and declares that He is a stronghold in the day of trouble.  What does Nahum mean when he calls God a stronghold?

God blesses those who trust is Him and gives them protection and strength when they need it. He is a real, loving and living God who created man for relationship.  Importantly, He is a sovereign, infinite spirit who created the heaven and earth and has dominion over it. God is not only living, He is personal and accessible; infinitely more real than anything in the universe.

In order for us to have confidence in God as our protector and the source of our strength and existence, we must have an intimate knowledge of who He is. This knowledge is formed when we get to know the scope of God’s character and disposition.

Character or attribute is a term that is used to relate to the many characteristics of God’s make-up, or more specifically, the personal traits that make up the perfection of the His divine being. One of those character traits or attributes is “goodness”.  God is good.  Psalms 52:1 reads:”‘The Goodness of God endureth continually' (Psalm 52:1).

1.  Describe goodness in relations to God.

 God is good and is the origin of everything that is good.  Goodness is a description of the glory, splendor and essence of God. It is who He is.

Let’s review Exodus 33:19 where Moses is speaking to God:

“I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion”.

Goodness is the essence of God. He is comprehensively and originally good.  Importantly, He is the source of goodness. It is his make-up. That means that He is good of Himself.  Essentially, His goodness radiates and becomes an attributes of those who fellowship with Him.

James 1:7 reads “Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

God is infinitely and unchangeable in reference to goodness. It is His nature and character and all that comes from Him is good.

1. Discuss how you have experienced the goodness of God during the past 14 days.

Additional Scripture related to God’s goodness:

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalms 107:1).

How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men! (Psalms 31:19)

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. (Psalms 25:8)

 Psalms 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9)

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. (Lamentations 3:25)

Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. (Psalm 119:68)

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9)