Day 265: Rough Times

Revelation 8-9; Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 103-104:23

The trumpets and the destruction caused by them in Revelation is terrifying. It's hard to imagine such disaster. One third of things on the earth are destroyed. But what stands out to me in this chapter are not the catastrophes, but the presence of God. At the beginning of the chapter when the seventh seal was opened, there is silence in heaven. Whoa, what does that mean? The sounds of praise are gone, the rustle of angel wings are stilled, the cries of the saints are silent, perhaps God himself has drawn inward and his glory is hidden for a time. After this happens the prayers of God's people come up from the earth and reach the ears of heaven. Silence in heaven will, no doubt, have an effect on the earth. What kind of effect, I'm not sure, but I find this situation very intriguging.

Then at the end of this chapter, it tells of an eagle flying over the earth saying "Trouble, trouble, trouble, to everyone who lives on earth!" Life is not going to be easy, especially during this time. Believers and non-believers alike, it sounds like, are going to face devastating consequences. This will be a time when faith is tested. Just consider this: "In those days people will want to die, but they will not be albe to. They will hope for death, but it will escape them." WOW. Talk about torture. And during this time, the people who survive these seals and hate God, those who worship idols will continue to worship those idols and demons. They will be stubborn and blind and will not turn to God. So sad. I cannot imagine the hopelessness of worshiping something that is lifeless, made with my own hands. These people will continue living a lie, and there is nothing believers will be able to do about it. This is God's judgment and people will choose to refuse to turn to him, even in one of the greatest displays of his power. And the point of all the silence and distruction is to make people realize who God is.

Psalm 103 is an awesome song of worship to The Lord. It talks about praising The Lord with all of our hearts and all that we are, never forgetting what he has done for us. God forgives us, brings justice to those who are mistreated, provides us with strength, is merciful and patient, and doesn't punish us as our sins deserve. What a good and glorious God!

Psalm 104 shows how God created and cares for his creation. He thought about and continues to think about our needs and provides for them.