I have to admit, I enjoy some nerdy things :) I’ve recently been watching a TV series based on the Lord of the Rings books and it has brought the book of Nahum to life for me in a whole new way!

In one of the scenes in this series, the heroes are running through a forest trying to escape their villainous captors. Finally, they come out from under the shaded trees into a clearing and find themselves in the light of day. Fortunately for them, their captors aren’t able to continue their pursuit any further. You see, the rays of sunlight will harm them if they step out of the darkness. So the villains begrudgingly give up the chase, and the heroes walk on in freedom.

Nahum 1:7-8 says, “The Lord is good,a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries,and will pursue his enemies into darkness.”

Not only does God provide us with a stronghold in times of trouble. If we seek refuge in Him, He will provide the way of life! Furthermore, He is much stronger than our enemies. He brings to light what happens in the shadows and he will destroy the sin that lurks in the darkness. I love the idea of Him seeking my enemy into the darkness. The very place he may think he can escape judgment. My God is greater than my enemy!

As Nahum spells out the prophecy for Nineveh's future, I see wrath and anger and judgment. But I also see myself. I see what it is that I deserve and I thank God that He has made the sacrifice for me to escape into His light and walk in His freedom.