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There is a growing uneasiness in our world today. Even the Secretary General of the United Nations has said that "the world is falling apart".

Satan is increasing conflicts in almost every arena of life; personal, public, worldwide. There has always been spurts, highs and lows, stair step levels of uneasiness - in our personal lives, in the church, in governments of the world. On a personal level, there is a kind of foreboding; a deep down feeling that somehow things are different, something is wrong, which cannot be identified or defined. Our world is changing so fast, even on a daily basis, it is difficult to keep up with and even more difficult to define. As a result, in the vernacular, - it's scary. Life becomes confusing, defying a logical and realistic response. Perhaps we should not be surprised, but we are.

But there is hope and comfort in the words of our Savior and coming King. He knew these days over two thousand years ago. There is even more comfort and assurance because He is alive today. He is near. He is not far away. He is here, even in our hearts, if we are His. We should remember He has told us beforehand that it would be this way. He has much to tell us about today.

The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to describe conditions in the world in the end times. World events and conditions have always widened and increased and then leveled off, and then increase again at an increasing rate. The Amplified Bible gives a sobering description of some of the conditions to occur in the end times:

"But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane. [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.

[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them], Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." - 2 Timothy 1-5 (AMP)

Undoubtedly we are living in these perilous times. Some will say, well, we always have - and that is true. However, there are "perilous times", and, there are more "perilous times", but our times seem to be growing more perilous and at an increasing rate. Our times are moving and changing so rapidly, that it leaves us almost breathless. Bad news rules the information media, and always has. However, it is increasing so fast that it is difficult for the media to keep up.

What should a Christian do? How should one respond to this?

Jesus, looking far into the near future and the far future, has commanded Christians to "watch!" Watch what is going on in the world, be alert and become knowledgeable concerning world affairs, as well a local events. Many will become so preoccupied with the "cares of this life", that reality escapes them.

"But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose." - Luke 21:34 (AMP)

If we are close to God, yielded to Him, living for Him, there is an encouraging and comforting Psalm we can dwell upon in these last days. Psalm 91. I recall reading this Psalm many years ago. It is lengthy but very profound and comforting. Times were bad then. Times are worse now. How can we apply this Psalm to our lives today? Or, can we?

Perhaps not yet...

Many scriptures concern Christians and their need to stay alert, watchful, and above all, yielded to and close to God. And when you hear of wars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do not become alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified. Many things must take place first.

"Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch [a]and pray; for you do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man already going on a journey; when he leaves home, he puts his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and he gives orders to the doorkeeper to be constantly alert and on the watch. Therefore watch (give strict attention, be cautious and alert), for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming—in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning—[Watch, I say] lest He come suddenly and unexpectedly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to everybody: Watch !" - Mark 13:33-37 (AMP)

And then...

"Don't let you heart be troubled"

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

The Saints Who Slept