Table of Contents

What is happening in the world today?

Every day we see headlines about major events all over the world. With each one we also see the physical, emotional, and Spiritual tolls these events have on untold numbers of people. It makes many people wonder, what is happening in the world today?

Living in a troubled world is not new

Throughout history, there are many accounts of things that have affected humanity. From the earliest days of man’s creation in the Garden of Eden and through the centuries, there have been good times and bad times. However, the vast majority of these times have not affected the entire world at once. We know in recorded history that there have been events such as when a volcano exploded and the world experienced summers that were cloudy and cold. We also know from recent discoveries at the bottoms of oceans that there were entire civilizations destroyed by world-wide events such as floods. At the same time, we know of many civilizations that abandoned family centered, law and order, ways of living that destroyed them within three generations. So, living in a troubled world is not new. The question is, what are we experiencing now and how will it affect us?

What is happening in the world that’s affecting people?

As we look at the world around us today, we see wars, rumors, lies, and accusations; and a major division in what people consider to be right or wrong. We have reached a time when basic ideals of what has been a standard of right and wrong throughout time is questioned. Simple things such as whether or not it is right to lie, steal, or get physically violent with someone we disagree with is argued. In the end, we see a large divide between those who want to live a life of loving God and others above ourselves and those that justify acting like predators toward others.

While many see this as a time to question what is happening in the world today, others see it as a time to destroy others to take over the world. Although we are living through what we think are unique events in the world today, God tells us in His Word, that it is nothing new. He also told us to expect many things to happen on a world-wide scale as we move toward prophetic events. Therefore, without getting into all the details of prophetic events, it is important to understand that God does give us a high-level understanding of what to expect.

God tells us there will be tough times

Many times, throughout Scripture God warns of tough times. In the early days of man, God told Adam and Eve, what He expected and what would happen if they disobeyed His instruction (Genesis 2:15-3:24). Later, as He gave the law to Moses, He laid out in detail what He required of us and what to expect (Exodus 19-40). When Jesus walked this earth, He told of tough times to come too and what to expect. Later, we see more details of what Jesus said explained by the Apostles in their writings.

Paul’s experience with tough times in Thessalonica

We know from Scripture that while Peter was an Apostle to the Jews, Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13; Galatians 2:4-9; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11). As Paul was spreading the Gospel and planting churches, he often ran into tough times. He specifically wrote letters about his experiences with tough times and what to expect. Of particular note was a time around 49-54 AD that he spent in Thessalonica, a seaport city, not far from an area where many pagans worshipped of other gods took place (Acts 17:1-9). Between the pagans and local Jews that were hostile, Paul had to deal with many issues and events. Despite this Paul had a fondness for the church of Thessalonians he founded as part of his second missionary journey.

It was not long after Paul needed to move on, so he sent Timothy, his “son in the faith,” to help out there for a while (Acts 16:1-5; Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Timothy 1:1-4). A while later, Paul wrote letters to the church in Thessalonica, which we now know as 1 and 2 Thessalonians, about the times they experienced. In his first letter, he wrote to encourage them and talk about the things they did while they were there and mentioned the good report he got about them from Timothy later. He also stressed the importance of living in holiness and not getting caught up in the lusts of the unbelievers that gave them a hard time.

Paul’s teaching on how to deal with tough times

One thing the Thessalonians were concerned about was that they had been told that the resurrection had already happened. Paul told them the resurrection was still to come and that they should expect events similar to what they were experiencing. He also went into detail about the work there and how the difficulties they experienced would be like what the entire world will experience before Jesus returns.

Paul encouraged them

Paul then encouraged them to continue in their hard work both night and day and to stay focused on their faith as they share the Lord with others. He also spoke to them much like a father to his children about being a good example to others reminding them how they turned from idols and to help them do the same. He concluded by talking about thinking and actions of those that killed the Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 2:13-20) and the demonic things they did to prevent the sharing of the Gospel of Salvation with others.

Paul talked about troubles and tribulations

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul specifically talked about the troubles and tribulations they suffered and encouraged them to “Stand fast in the Lord.” He gave them practical advice about how they should continue to pray night and day and with each other so that the Lord would direct their steps. He got more specific about being called to holiness and how to live through their tough times as follows:

Study the Word of God to grow in faith: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2. “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. ² For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.”
Focus on physical purity: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: ⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; ⁵ Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
Do not commit any fraud or theft: 1 Thessalonians 4:6. “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
Provide no personal reasons to be despised: 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. ⁸ He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
Grow in love toward one another: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10. “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. ¹⁰ And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”
Work for the Lord: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; ¹² That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

The physical, emotional, and Spiritual focus during tough times

When we look at these things, we see that Paul is telling them to remain focused on their relationship with the Lord while emphasizing specific things. As we deal with tough times in the world today, we also should focus on these things as follows:

Keep in mind not to get caught up and distracted by the sinful activities of the world
Keep in mind that there are physical, emotional, and Spiritual aspects of everything we deal with
Keep in mind our attitude and our focus when dealing with tough times by doing what God wants us to do
Keep in mind the Spiritual focus of everything and that our strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirit Who lives inside us
Keep in mind to study God’s Word daily so we know what God will do and expect of us.

We should also keep in mind that God has a plan and has not abandoned us as follows:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:15. “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

6¹ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. ² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. ³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ⁴ But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. ¹¹ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; ¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. ¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Finally, we should focus on constant prayer and communication with God as follows:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28. “Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit. ²⁰ Despise not prophesyings. ²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. ²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. ²³ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. ²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

Praying without ceasing does not mean we spend all day kneeling in prayer. It means that all day we acknowledge the Lord being there with us as we go through our days and struggles. It means that, like a close friend that is with us, we don’t ignore Him, but instead we talk to Him. We talk about what is going on and ask for His leading, guidance, and strength. We can certainly expect that if our closest and dearest friend spent all day with us, we would be talking to each other, sharing our thoughts and encouragement, and even laughing at funny things we encounter together.

Final thoughts

What can we learn from what is happening in the world? As we go through tough times in the world, we can learn to draw closer to God, closer together, and motivate each other to continue the mission He has for us. At the same time, we can keep in mind the following:

God is our anchor in a time of storm: Hebrews 6:19
God has a plan to get us through it: 2 Thessalonians 2; James 1:2-27
Praying without ceasing is key: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8
We can have peace with God: Romans 16:17-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10
No matter what happens, God will provide a way to escape: 1 Corinthains 10:11-13; Psalms 90:10

May God bless us and keep us in these times.

If you would like to check out our free, “How to Study the Bible” video course please click here:

How to Study the Bible Video Course – Christianity Every Day

Dr. Michael L. Williams, Head of Ministry Operations and Technology at Christianity Every Day, is a Christ-centered Author, Educator, Biblical Counselor and Advisor. He is ordained in Pastoral Ministry and formerly the founding Pastor of Selah Mountain Ministries, a church started along with his wife, Pamela Rose, after several years of pastoral experience and training in Biblical Counseling. Selah Mountain provided Biblical counseling and education to the public on how to overcome life issues Biblically on topics such as anger management, marriage, addictions, and other subjects – often referred to as mental illnesses. To learn more about Dr. Mike visit the About page.