After watching the news the past few days, I was just thinking about a Southern Gospel song made famous by the Oak Ridge Boys Quartet. A portion of the lyrics reads: “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear, freedom we all hold dear now is at stake. Humbling your hearts to God, saves from the chastening rod; Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake!”
It is no secret that we are, indeed, living in troublesome times. That truth is not relegated to just the United States, but all around the globe.
Troublesome Times are not New
From the day in the Garden, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, the troubles have mounted for mankind. Then came banishment from Eden. Because of that first sin, more trouble came — Cain murdered his brother, Abel. As a result, more separation came as Cain moved far away to Nod. Troubles in our world always bring about separation in one form or another.
Moving ahead to Genesis 6, we read that sin had become so abundant in the known world at the time that more trouble was experienced. Despite a warning from God, 120 years later, God rescued 8 people, the family of Noah, and then destroyed mankind with a worldwide flood.
Later, through the faithful obedience of Abraham, God blessed his descendants and told them to scatter. However, the hearts of men in that time caused a refusal to obey and brought about troublesome times once again. They decided to build a landmark that could be seen for miles — the Tower of Babel. (Babel means “confusion.”) God made them scatter, and He confused their one language by creating multiple languages. Instead of looking to the tower, they looked for similar languages and finally scattered.
Later, as God made the Hebrews His chosen people, a saga of drawing near and falling away became the standard procedure for the Jewish people. God had an answer for their rebellious actions. He allowed the Babylonians to lay siege on Jerusalem and take the inhabitants into captivity — for 70 years.
After being permitted to return and rebuild their city, they felt at ease, which is not always a good thing. They fell back into idolatry and rebellions. This time, a famine was given by God — a famine of His Word. For 400 years, the Lord did not speak to His people, which brought 400 years of troublesome times.
Troublesome Times are Here Today
Prosperity does not, by itself, produce peace. In fact, it often produces an attitude of greed. We live in one of the greatest nations ever, yet we live in troublesome times today. Those lyrics I shared earlier mention hearts being filled with fear. Our freedom, which we have long cherished, is at stake today. Our banner has been the United States of America. However, due to our attitude of “me first,” we have moved the letter “i” in “United.” Hatred, crime, unrest, rebellion and division have now made us the “Untied” States of America.
What always remedied the troublesome times in the past was the turning back to God in worship, prayer and service. Ultimately, the answer is Christ’s return to rescue His believers. Since we do not know the day or the hour of that great day, we should take to heart the encouragement God gave King Solomon at the dedication of the temple: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chron. 7:14 NIV1984). Christians, awake!
