“And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man” (Revelation 9:5).

Wickedness does create torment.  In your own experience, you have witnessed where one does something wicked and another pays the price.  Is the Lord doing it?  No!  How many times has the Lord stopped wickedness from hurting you?  We do not know.  The sting of pain without the relief of sleep, or even death which makes us lament is also a part of this age’s experience.  Turn to the Lord, for He is the only salve of comfort in this world.

Lord, there has been disappointment and heartache.  Help me to look to You and know that You not only are with me, but that You too have experienced these things.  Let me not linger upon the sting of pain nor the anguish of suffering that comes because of wickedness.  Let me instead taste the sweetness of Your presence and the truth of Your goodness in my life no matter the circumstance.

Lord Jesus, Savior of all who believe, You have not stopped the judgement that comes upon the wicked.  I have experienced its sloppy recompense.  Save me in every time of trial and no matter what comes, keep my heart close to You.  No matter the cross I must bear, You have given me a promise that there is purpose in everything and a gift that comes through carrying my cross.  In time of need, help me to see Your promise unfolding.  Amen.

“They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4).

How many have been devoured by this world and its troubles?  We’re not talking about nature, but about being spiritually ravaged by evil.  Be wary of the news.  Be wary of the deceivers.  Be wary because the world wants you in hell.  Look to the Lord and the salvation He gives.  He has given you hope and a promise.  Live in the grace you have been given and do not be destroyed by the evils around us.

Lord, You have marked me with Your cross and sealed my redemption by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Help me now and always to live the new life You give and reject the old Adam.  Help me to be one of Your own redeeming and not one of those who will be devoured by this world.  You have marked me, now keep me from yielding in every time of trouble so that I may be found in You.

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus, You know what is coming and what the times are.  You have given me ample warning for every time of struggle.  Guide me in the way of life which I need to live in order that I would hold fast to Your goodness above all else.  Lead me day by day to reject the wickedness of this world and to live according to Your never-failing promises.  May I always remain in You and You in me.  Amen.

“Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power” (Revelation 9:3).

How many times in human history have people been carried away by pandemonium?  How many times have evil men ruled and the nations went their way?  The Twentieth Century is filled with such things.  The locusts come and devour everything, leaving nothing but smoke and waste in their wake.  Yes, there will be the final time, but be prudent in case you experience a time when evil men rule.

Lord, I have heard of the end times, but many of these are they.  You know and I do not.  Help me to be prudent and be prepared in good stewardship for what is possible in my time.  You taught us to watch the seasons and to know the times.  Those who have done so in ages past have done well for their families.  Teach me not to panic, nor go overboard, but to be a good steward and prepared in this, my time.

Lord Jesus, ultimately the time is going to come when I face death and at that time, whether I am facing the end of the world or my own demise will not make any difference to me.  Teach me so that I may prepared and rejoice in that day when I know I will be with You forever.  But, also help me to be a good steward and prudent about living this life You have given me here and now.  Amen. 

“He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit” (Revelation 9:2).

Jesus is light.  In the pit, there is no light.  The pit is a place where God is not.  How small it must be.  Yes, you can think of these things literally, but knowing that all of Scripture points to Jesus, what does this say to You about faith?  Has not Jesus come and have you not been told that the light shines in the darkness bidding you to take the power He gives to become a child of the Heavenly Father?

Lord, I do often make things more complex than they need to be.  Help me, I pray, to see more clearly the simplicity of Your Word.  You have come that we may have new life.  That means we are dead in sin.  We may be animated, but without You, we are spiritually dead.  Help me take on the life You created me to have so that I may walk humbly with You, my Lord and God.  Guide me away from the foolishness of this world to live life as You have designed it to be lived.

Lord, You are the judge who will separate the goats from the sheep.  In this age, where we are mixed together, it is sometimes hard to know which way to turn.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I may live into the life You give me through grace.  Thank You for providing me with the power to become like You.  Thank You for lifting me out of the pit to stand in the clear light of Your presence.  Amen.