By Christopher Wall
We live in unprecedented times. While history has certainly seen moments of greater global peril—consider the First and Second World Wars, or even parts of the Cold War—there are unique challenges that confront our day. Civil unrest, a loss of identity both personally and nationally, the opioid crisis, and the ongoing technological revolution are just a few of the many pressing issues facing the modern West, particularly America.
Chris Wall
In times like these, it is tempting to succumb to fear and anxiety. However, I would like to offer some reasons why you need not be fearful, but rather why you can place your trust in a good and kind God.
Stay Grounded in the Certainty of Christ’s Return
First, it’s important to dispel the notion that our current circumstances necessarily signal the immediate return of Christ. Could they? Perhaps. But they might not. Frankly, the exact timing of Christ’s return is not ours to know. Jesus Himself said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). Our responsibility is not to speculate about the timing of His return but to faithfully conduct ourselves as those eagerly awaiting the return of the King.
Rather than being consumed with signs and predictions, we ought to focus on living in a manner worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1). The pressing question is not when Christ will return, but how we are living in the meantime.
Be Faithful in Simple Things
To my fellow Christians, I urge you: strengthen your walk with the Lord. Serve in your local church like never before. Invite a friend to coffee and talk about the joys and hardships you are facing. Pray with your family and with your friends. Devote yourself to reading your Bible with greater consistency and depth. In short, commit to the simple, ordinary practices of the Christian life (Hebrews 10:24–25).
These are not flashy solutions, but they are the faithful steps that will sustain you. The Lord often works through the ordinary means of grace to bring extraordinary peace.
To the One Who Does Not Know Christ
If you do not know Christ, I plead with you—urgently—trust in Him. He is the answer. You may say, “I have so much uncertainty, so much fear, so many doubts.” Bring them all to Christ. “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). In Christ, you will find rest.
Many people say they have hope, but they are merely hoping in hope itself—a vague, baseless optimism. To trust in Christ is to finally have a sure and steadfast hope (Hebrews 6:19). You need not live in fear if you would repent of your sins and place your faith in Him. “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
The Source of True Peace
When it all comes down to it, peace in times like these will never be found apart from Christ. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have affliction, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
To know Christ is to become eternally minded. If you are consumed only with the things of this earth, it is no surprise that so many struggle with pain, fear, and the crushing weight of anxiety. The answer is not to numb yourself, distract yourself, or pretend it’s not there. The answer is to embrace the peace that can only be found in the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Chris Wall is the Pastor of Mesquite Baptist Church (750 W. Pioneer Blvd., Mesquite, NV, 89027)–Additional resources can be found at “mesquitebaptistchurchnv.com” and on YouTube and Instagram at “mesquitebaptistchurchnv”
