First, let’s not forget what Jesus said when discussing the signs of His coming with His disciples:
“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39)
What we’re seeing is exactly what Jesus said we’d be seeing. The apostle Paul also said that in the last days men would become lovers of themselves and described a pretty long list of things that people would be and do (2 Timothy 3:1-7). I think we have to admit that this is exactly what we’re seeing.
And while it’s easy to get discouraged, we need to keep things in perspective. In John 14:1-3 we have one of Jesus’ most beautiful and encouraging promises:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Hear that? “Let not your heart be troubled.” Why because He followed that up with “I will come again.” Say that to yourself a couple times and consider what He meant by that. Seems clear to me that when He said He would come again, He meant that He would come again and “receive you unto myself; that where [He is], there ye may be also!”
He also said in Luke 21:28 to “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (emphasis added)
Instead of being discouraged by the world around us, we should be encouraged by the nearness of His coming! And be thankful that we have the hope (confidence; expectation) that He will return for us.
Maranatha!