Photo by Toimetaja tõlkebüroo on Unsplash

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

Nahum 1:7 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/nam.1.7.NLT

Several years ago, it was a time of real challenge in my life. Family needed help on one side of the state, my father was in the hospital on the other side of the state, and I had leadership responsibilities at Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center. I was exhausted in nearly every way. David stepped along side of me. He was part of the ministry events with me. He drove me through the night (while I slept) to help my family. He stayed the night and brought needed encouragement to all of us the next morning prior to leaving. He changed his plans on a moment’s notice to meet my need. His goodness, strength, and closeness was invaluable to me, a gift from God.

I am grateful for people in my life who are good in the way they live, strong in character, and close by when needed. I know these people by name. Each one is easy for me to reach out to and get hold of. I know, that in a pinch, they would rearrange their world to walk along side of me.

As I spend more time with God, I have come to understand the goodness, strength, and closeness of God in my life all the time.  24/7:

• God is good. There is no trace of “bad” in God at any level. He is 100% good always. He shows up in our lives being good because He is good. He is the source of all goodness. He will only show up as good.
• God is strong. In times of trouble, there is no better refuge than in God himself. He provides peace that passes all understanding. He protects the core of who each of us are. There is no trace of weakness in God. God always shows up as strong.
• God is close. For those who trust God, He comes close. As a follower of God, He is always close.

I am so grateful for the goodness, strength, and closeness of God.

Encouragement: Name the people in your life who are good, strong, and close to you. Thank them for standing with you. Reflect on the goodness of God. Remember when He has been a strong refuge for you during a hard time. Enjoy the closeness of God as you follow Him.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being good. I never have to question your character or motives. You are always good. Thank you for being strong when I am in trouble. Thank you for being close as I seek to faithfully follow you.

In Jesus name, Amen.

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center