If you focus on God’s promises, you have hope that inspires you to be persistent even when it is hard to be optimistic because your attention is on the reward rather than the difficulty, so you endure. Your mind is constantly at work finding a solution and your heart acts on these solutions until there is accomplishment because you approach all the activities of your day with the joyful awareness of God’s ability to bring a victorious finish.

In the prophesy of Isaiah 34, God had scathing judgments against Jerusalem, but also is angry with all nations (v. 2). It depicts universal judgment at the end of times when there will be wars, disasters, disease, and famine because the world did not give Him the honor.

I remember seeing a movie called “The End Times”. ^[1] It explains that in a twinkling of an eye, the Rapture will occur. Those left behind on earth who have never accepted Jesus as Savior will not understand what is going on. There will be seven years of the worst of times … “hell on earth” for those who rejected Jesus. This is called the tribulation.

The earth is made a wasteland and then there is world-wide carnage at the Battle of Armageddon (vv. 8-10). Some may question God about making the earth a wasteland. Others may say God is justified because of the lack of attention given to His power.

The takeaway from today’s passage is that Jesus is the key. Let us put our attention on Jesus so we are sparred “hell on earth”. Let us be inspired by the passion of Jesus, follow His Way, and not let Him down. Let us dedicate each day to God, be a blessing, and give Him the honor.

This day Lord, we focus our hearts and minds on You. Change us from the inside out. As we read Your Word, help us to recognize righteousness and document so we are able to practice our faith. We opt-in to Your Way today by studying Your Word, praying, and living life victoriously together. We are focused and ready because we do not know when You will come or call. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

^[1] Amazon Prime Video Directed by Discovery Media Productions. 2006. The End Times