I am a big fan of USC football. I have watched the Trojans since I was young. I was a fan in the dismal days under Paul Hackett, and under the glory days of Pete Carroll.
For those unaware, one of the greatest linebackers ever to come out of USC, Junior Seau, shot himself a couple weeks ago. (http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994310/breaking-police-respond-to-gunshot-report-at-junior-seaus-house , http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994973/junior-seau-my-rememberance) This was a terrible tragedy, and though I never met the man, as a loyal Trojan fan, I felt especially saddened when I learned of it. On the football field, he had been a fierce competitor. He seemed to personify the theme of USC: Fight on to victory!
I obviously don't know what demons he faced in his personal life, and I will probably never know the circumstances that led him to take his own life, it seems that the burden of despair is weighing down on an increasing number of people. It is not difficult to become discouraged if attention is paid to current events. There does not seem to be a day that goes by without someone being wronged, without some disaster striking, or without fear of war and violence permeating some corner of the world.
Even in the middle of the United States of America, where most people live in relative safety and security, deceit and dishonesty are used to plunder and malign. Scams exist that target trusting people, identity thieves seek to exploit security vulnerabilities, and wealthy princes of Nigeria seem to be emailing everyone to acquire bank account information.
On top of the willful malevolence, reports of natural disasters from tsunamis to hurricanes to earthquakes come from all over the world. It seems there is no safe place left on earth.
There seems to be an increasing number of people that feel the burden of depression when looking at the world around them. Hopelessness abounds in places that not long ago were vibrant and filled with optimism. There are those who point to the events of our times and ask where God is. They wonder why they are not spared from such burdens. There are those that conclude God must not exist, or if he does he has abandoned mankind.
While I am no stranger to sadness and even depression, nor am I some kind of expert on how to deal with these emotions, I do know of something that has changed my perspective.
Jesus Christ taught his disciples that these things would happen in the last days. He prophesied that there would be "wars and rumours of wars" (Matthew 24:6). He told them that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7) He fortold that "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12). He said that "then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another" (Matthew 24:10).
While the tribulations of the end times are accepted by many Christians, it is sometimes forgotten that these are more than simple happenings that coincidentally occur. These are signs. Jesus said "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32-33).
The implication is profound. Where some see a world forsaken by God, the Christian sees God approaching it. Where some see despair, the Christian sees the hope of Christ's coming. Where some see problems too big for any person to solve, the Christian sees Jesus more clearly as the solution.
What is it that you see? Can you see him?
Humanity is approaching the climax of the greatest drama that will ever unfold. Of course things are bad. Of course things will get worse. For many, the despair will be overpowering, but for those that endure there is opportunity to witness the return of the King.
The words of John the divine depict what scene awaits:
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16)
He is coming... and when he comes he will make everything right. Good will triumph over evil. Humanity will find its purpose. The earth will be renewed. Peace and happiness will reign everywhere.
No wonder the prophets today seem so optimistic. Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob in cold blood, even when he had been promised the protection of the Govenor of Illinois. He was able to see the truth of Christ, and he taught with confidence: "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22, emphasis added).
Jesus Christ is coming to save us all... and that is an encouraging thought.
