Chuck Smith emphasizes the fundamental truth that 'The Lord is good,' which is essential to internalize, especially during challenging times. He discusses how circumstances can change rapidly, testing our faith in God's goodness, and how Satan often challenges this belief. Smith reassures that God is a stronghold in times of trouble, providing comfort, strength, and hope, and that He knows those who trust in Him, even when we feel forgotten. The sermon encourages believers to rely on God's goodness and promises, especially in adversity, reminding them that God is aware of their struggles and desires to support them.

"THE LORD IS GOOD" I. "THE LORD IS GOOD," THIS IS BASIC. A. This is sometimes easy to say. 1. Everything is going well. a. The family is all healthy. b. I've just received a pay increase. c. God is good. B. It is so important that this truth is deeply imbedded in my heart. 1. Things can change so fast. a. My child may have a serious accident. b. I may lose my job. c. Can I still say, "God is good?" C. Satan is constantly challenging this truth. 1. Since the garden of Eden. 2. If God is good, why did He allow this to happen to you? a. He takes advantage of our limited knowledge. 1. God said, His ways are not our ways, that they were beyond our finding out. b. We cannot see into the future. 1. I always judge by present advantage or disadvantage. 2. How many times did I look at a situation that I thought was a disaster, later it turned out to be a blessing. D. This truth will sustain you in adversity. 1. Note the context. a. He is speaking of God's impending judgment on the Assyrians. b. To see the awesome judgment of God strikes terror. c. In the midst of the description of God's vengeance on His adversaries, he reminds them, "The Lord is good." 2. Many times the only thing that sustained me was the promise, "All things work together for good. a. When dad and brother killed. b. When I had an accident, my fault. c. When I had blow out on freeway, no spare. II. "A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE." A. "The name, "Yahweh is a strong tower..." B. How comforting to call on the name of Jesus in time of trouble. 1. His name has brought me comfort in time of sorrow. 2. Strength in time of weakness. 3. Hope in time of despair. C. He is indeed a stronghold. 1. A place of defense. 2. A place of strength and security. III. "HE KNOWS THEM THAT TRUST IN HIM." A. God knows when you are trusting in Him. 1. He also knows when you are not. a. When you are trusting your own devices. b. And He often lets us run our course. 2. He has promised to sustain those who trust in Him. B. Why do we find it so hard to trust in God? 1. He is good, faithful and wise. 2. Satan fights against you. a. He knows that trusting is the place of strength and peace. C. God knows you. 1. We sometimes think He has forgotten us. 2. Not so, He knows you. a. He knows your fears. b. He knows your sorrows. c. He knows your trials. d. He knows your loneliness. 3. And God is good, and He wants you to enter into His stronghold today so He can hold you and keep you as you trust in Him.