Nahum 1:7 English Standard Version (ESV) The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Are we in trouble? If we need a stronghold, refuge, then what day is that day?

Trouble is a rather personal appeal to the senses. It can be physical, emotional or spiritual. It can be a mild as unusual, as in the troubling of the water at the Bethesda pool, or as great as the coming tribulation period. It can be personal or generational.

Considering our great enemy in John 10:10 why not feel under attack all the time? Jesus has won the victory and assured us peace. Do we rely on that as our comfort and relax to the point we forget we are still under attack from a defeated foe? Satan is an eternal being and until he is removed from this earthly prison, he will continue to lie and hate.

Jesus said not to be troubled in our mind or heart. That leaves our bodies and it presents a multitude of troubles all by itself. Pain is a great motivator. It will make you forget everything else. Taking refuge in your spirit when in pain does not help you eliminate the pain but it can reassure you that no matter what day is coming and you know your home is with God.

Most of us have not dealt with that much pain but I believe that all of us have dealt with emotional pain and that is where our refuge is most available if we seek Him.  

Jeremiah 29:13 English Standard Version (ESV) You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Is today that day?

Job 1:22 English Standard Version (ESV) In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

Continuing with the issue of dominion here let me ask this question. Is there any difference between blaming God for our present condition and not believing there is a God?

Not to God there isn’t. The only thing that matters is what we do with the dominion He gave us. We came to a point where we realized we had allowed sin to rule in our lives and ruined us. Then we came to Christ and made Him the Lord of our life, we are now His dominion, His Kingdom.

What is the difference between not believing in Christ and not obeying Christ?

There is no difference to Christ.

His dominion on the other hand does not fail for He takes all things into His hands and rules justly. Being subject to His rule we witness the results of our failure in obedience of faith. His dominion, His Kingdom, languishes.

Mercy and grace keep us in the game but we should want to be obedient, we should want to be cooperative in furthering His Kingdom. We should understand the consequences of ignoring duty. The whole world suffers.

Isaiah 24:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Behold, the Lord will empty the earth and make it desolate, and he will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants.

Consequences will happen and it will happen. What part we play in all this will have eternal effects and we shall only see what our disobedience costs after these days end, and they will end.

Isaiah 24:20-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁰ The earth staggers like a drunken man; it sways like a hut; its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it falls, and will not rise again. ²¹ On that day the Lord will punish the host of heaven, in heaven, and the kings of the earth, on the earth.

Obedience of faith does make a difference.