photo by jon flobrant
As told in scripture, in the last days there “shall be . . . wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26). That is our world today. Fear and suffering are part of life all around the globe. Nevertheless, we must—and can—remain hopeful.
After the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke on “The Times in Which We Live.” Speaking of the necessity of remaining optimistic despite fear, he counsels, “There is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes.” Now, years later, President Hinckley’s advice is just as needed.
During uncertain times, says President Hinckley, we must focus on prayer: “Let us be prayerful. . . . Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live.” Through prayer, we can seek Heavenly Father’s guidance and act as his agents in a world in need of goodness.
When the forces of evil seem more powerful than ever, our responsibility is to act with greater courage. Reflecting on the Second Coming, President Hinckley says, “There is so much of the Lord’s work yet to be done. . . . We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us.” As the world gets darker, we must strive even more to reflect the Savior’s light.
Read or watch President Gordon B. Hinckley’s “The Times in Which We Live.”
Source: LDS General Conference
—Collin Mathias, Mormon Insights
feature image by matthaus windhausen
Find more insights
Watch “Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them” to hear President Russell M. Nelson share his experience as a passenger on an airplane when one of the wings was on fire.
Watch “Finding Hope,” a video in which a man shares his story about dealing with the Twin Tower attacks.
For more suggestions on how you can prepare spiritually for the Second Coming, read or watch Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s general conference talk “Preparation for the Second Coming.”