Each morning when I turn on the television, I am assaulted with news of violence and sexual perversion. I often feel so much rage, I am tempted to throw something at the TV!
My wife once told me that I could likely have a hit TV reality show based solely on video footage of me watching the news and responding to it passionately.
So, how do I resist tumbling into despair? I think of what Psalm 2 says God is doing in Heaven. The psalm says that while all the politicians of the world are shaking their fists at Him and mocking His Word, He is sitting on His throne in Heaven laughing! (Psalm 2:4).
Why is God laughing? Is it because He is not concerned? Never! He is laughing because He has everything under control. To put it another way, He has the wisdom and power to orchestrate all the evil of Mankind and Satan to the triumph of His Son, Jesus.
Why is this consoling? Because, if God is laughing, why should I be pulling my hair out? I should, instead, rest in the assurance that God has everything under control.
Further, all of us should be able to find solace in the fact that Bible prophecy specifically states that in the end times, right before the return of Jesus, the world will grow increasingly dark — to the point that it will become as evil as society was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:38-39).
Thus, the bright side of the growing evil in the world is that it is a sure sign that we are living in the season of the Lord’s return. If you will check Genesis 6, you will find that Noah’s society was characterized by violence and immorality.
This is the reason that the great pastor, Adrian Rogers (1931-2005), once said, “The world is growing gloriously dark.” How can the acceleration of evil be considered “glorious”? Because it is a sign of the imminent return of Jesus.
The Messianic Jewish evangelist, Jan Markell, has expressed Adrian Rogers’ insightful observation in another way. Pointing out that people are always expressing so much concern to her about how the world seems to be falling to pieces, she says that she responds by saying, “That’s true, but we need to keep in mind that according to Bible prophecy, the pieces are all falling into place.”
So, do not despair. Instead, rejoice that you are privileged to live in the season of the Lord’s return. Therefore, keep your eyes on Jesus and be assured that He will triumph over the news.
And don’t forget to begin each day praying, “Maranatha!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
