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.
Nahum 1:6-8

I’ve actually heard some people point to verses like this, to make the claim that the Bible presents two different Gods; the vengeful Old Testament God and the more forgiving God of the New Testament. Those who make this claim clearly haven’t read much of either part of the Bible.

There is only one God, and He presents Himself all throughout the Bible as both the loving and caring Father to those who take refuge in Him, and the most fearsome adversary to those who oppose Him.

There’s no contradiction here. Believe me; I am a loving husband and father to my family; ask them and they’ll tell you. But if anyone wants to cause harm to my wife or my children, they had better be afraid, and It’s not because my heart is full of anger and violence but because I love my family.

God is the same way. Because He loves His own children, He will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue His enemies into darkness.

I don’t know about you, but I’d sure rather be seen by Him as one of those who take refuge in Him and not as one whose way of living threatens the safety and innocence of His children.

Father in Heaven, thank You for recognizing me as I take refuge in You, and for lovingly caring for me as Your own dear child. Protect your children today from those who mean us harm, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles