There is something happening in our world that is hard to ignore. Every day we hear about wars, international conflicts, moral confusion, economic uncertainty, natural disasters and a growing sense that our world is changing before our eyes.

For Christians who believe the Bible, these things can bring a particular kind of anxiety. We read the Scriptures concerning the last days and then look at what is happening around us. We may wonder, "Are we seeing the fulfillment of biblical prophecy? How much worse will things become? What does the future hold?"

These are legitimate questions. But as Christians, we must be careful that spiritual awareness does not become spiritual anxiety.

Jesus Himself spoke about troubling conditions that would precede His return. In Matthew 24, He spoke of wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, deception, and increasing iniquity. Yet in the middle of this sobering teaching, Jesus said:

"See that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Matthew 24:6

Those words deserve our attention: "See that ye be not troubled."

Jesus did not tell His followers to ignore what was happening in the world. He told them not to allow those things to control their hearts.

There is a difference between being watchful and being worried. We can recognize the signs of the times without allowing those signs to rob us of our peace.

The Apostle Paul gave us similar instruction:

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6

Our confidence is not found in understanding everything that is happening around us. Our confidence is found in knowing the One who holds the future.

Perhaps one of the greatest dangers for Christians today is becoming so focused on what may happen tomorrow that we neglect what God has called us to do today. We can spend hours watching the news, discussing prophecy, and worrying about the future while there is someone nearby who needs encouragement, prayer or the testimony of a faithful Christian.

The signs of the times should remind us to be faithful, not make us fearful.

Jesus also said:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1

Our world may be troubled, but our hearts do not have to be surrendered to that trouble.

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. We may not understand every headline, but we can trust God's promises. We may not be able to change the direction of the world, but we can still influence our homes, churches, neighborhoods and communities for Christ.

So, Christian, stay watchful. Stay grounded in God's Word. Pray for our nation, our leaders, our families and our communities. Be faithful in what God has given you to do. Keep your heart tender toward others. Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus Christ.

The Bible does not promise a world without trouble. It promises a Savior who has overcome the world:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

The world may give us reasons to be anxious, but Christ gives us reasons to have hope. We are not called to live in fear of the times. We are called to remain faithful to the One who is Lord over all times.