The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses. Nahum 2:6
Nahum prophesied the downfall of Nineveh. However, unlike their previous response to Jonah, this time the Ninevites were unmoved. They thought they were safe because the city was protected. It was surrounded by water—rivers and moats. Their trust was in their defences which they thought were impenetrable. “The river was her defense, the waters her wall” (3:8). But the river flooded during a storm, the walls were breached and the enemy entered.
Likewise, we can think we’re safe but a storm can bring down our defences. We may avoid certain situations or certain people to feel safe or stick to familiar routines. We may have reliable friends who support us and give us a sense of safety. Even Nineveh had Cush, Egypt, Put and Libya as allies (3:9) but it wasn’t enough.
We easily trust our defences but God is the only real security. Not that God will always rescue us with a miracle if a storm occurs, but rather God’s character is unchanging and can be relied on. “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). When we put our faith in the name of the Lord—in his character—then we are safe.
God is our true security. He will be with us, strengthening us to cope with whatever comes our way. We can always approach him with confidence to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Putting our faith in human resources to provide a sense of security is deficient but trusting in God’s character will give us peace.
