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Continue ShoppingDespair, Depression, and Emotional Instability are Signs of the Second Coming
The following is a chapter taken from the book 100 Signs of the Times: Leading up to the Second Coming of Christ by David J. Ridges. It is currently on sale alongside the new release Using the Signs of the Times, go check it out!
There Will Be Much Despair, Depression, Emotional Instability, and Gloom and Doom
People seem to be flocking to therapists, counselors, psychologists, ministers, social workers, and others for help in unprecedented numbers. All around us, there is much depression, despair, hopelessness, and lack of motivation to do anything. In Luke 22:26, we find this sign of the times. As you read this verse, quoted next, you will see the phrase “men’s hearts failing them,” which refers to giving up hope, having no more courage, having no faith, and so forth. We will read this verse in context with verses 25 and 27 in order to get the last days setting of this prophecy (bold added for emphasis).
Luke 21:25–27
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
This same sign of the times is given also in the Doctrine and Covenants as well as in the Pearl of Great Price. They read as follows (bold added for emphasis):
D&C 45:26
26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.
D&C 88:91
91 And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.
Moses 7:65–66
65 And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years;
66 But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked.
Fortunately for the Saints in the last days, there is peace and stability in living the gospel, including following the living prophets. We have constant guidance from the Lord through them and through the gift of the Holy Ghost. We, of all people on earth, have the best chance of following the Savior’s counsel about the signs of the times recorded in Matthew 24:6, as well as in Joseph Smith— Matthew 1:23, wherein He said “see that ye be not troubled.” There is peace in righteous doing. We have no need to get caught up in the depression and despair that has become such a common and pervasive problem of our times. In fact, if we were to get caught up in it, we would not being doing a very good job of following our latter-day prophets. President Monson gave wonderful counsel on this topic in the April 2009 general conference. He said:
It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future—or even fearful of what might come—if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today, however, I’d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church. . . .
How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”
The history of the Church in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious.
This is clear counsel. Following it will not only bless our own lives with a greater ability to avoid being caught up in negatives but will also help us be a positive influence for those around us.
** The following was taken from 100 Signs of the Times. The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to David J. Ridges and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc.