The Lord is strength in the day of anguish

Who is God? How many wonderful things can our beloved Creator do? These questions have echoed throughout history, yet the Bible provides us with clear and powerful answers. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who is mighty, sovereign, compassionate, and intimately involved with His creation. Every page of the Bible testifies of His wonders—His acts of judgment, His works of mercy, His miracles, His guidance, and His love poured out upon humanity. Nothing about who God is has been hidden; He has manifested Himself in countless ways, and today we continue to witness and enjoy the wonders of His power, His creation, and His grace. The Scriptures also show us repeatedly how God governs nature itself, demonstrating that all things are under His command.

The prophet Nahum says:

5 The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.

6 Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.

7 The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,

Nahum 1:5-7

These words from the prophet Nahum give us a magnificent yet fearsome acknowledgment of the power of God. They remind us that even the mountains—symbols of strength and stability—quake before Him. They tell us that the hills melt away, that the very earth trembles in His presence. This poetic yet profound imagery reveals that nature itself is subject to the majesty and authority of the Creator. Nothing in creation stands outside His rule. Nothing resists His command. He is the sovereign Lord over all.

Nahum also presents to us the reality of God’s wrath. He asks, “Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His fierce anger?” These rhetorical questions highlight the holiness and righteousness of God. His wrath is not like human anger; it is just, perfect, and directed toward sin and evil. No human being, no creature, no power in heaven or on earth can stand before the righteous fury of the Almighty. His wrath, Nahum says, is poured out like fire, and even the rocks—the hardest and strongest elements of nature—are shattered before Him. This teaches us that God’s judgment is certain and unstoppable.

Yet, this same chapter does not only reveal a God of judgment. It also reveals a God of kindness, compassion, and protection. “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” These words show us another dimension of God’s character: His goodness. God is perfectly good—not by human standards, not by circumstances, but by His nature. Everything He does is good, holy, and righteous.

Goodness is a powerful and divine attribute of God. We as human beings do not possess this attribute in its fullness. At best, we reflect goodness only when God Himself touches and transforms our hearts. This is why, when someone once called Jesus “good,” He responded by saying, “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.” Jesus was not denying His divinity but teaching that true goodness originates in the Father and is not defined by human efforts or external acts.

God’s goodness is also our strength. He is the refuge we run to in days of anguish, confusion, and trouble. When life feels overwhelming, God stands as our fortress. When storms rise around us, He remains our unshakable rock. And to those who trust in Him, the Bible gives us this precious guarantee: “He cares for them.” Not “He might care,” not “He cared once,” but “He cares”—continually, faithfully, eternally. Those who place their trust in God will never be abandoned or left in shame.

Therefore, when we ask, “Who is God?” the answer shines clearly from the pages of Scripture: He is the Almighty Creator, the righteous Judge, the compassionate Refuge, the One who holds the universe in His hands and yet cares personally for every one of His children. His wonders are countless, His power limitless, His love immeasurable, and His goodness everlasting. Let us trust in Him with all our hearts and continually give Him glory for all His marvelous works.