I'm very scared about the future, especially after all the economic turmoil we've seen in recent months. Are these signs that Jesus is about to return? I understand that things will get worse and worse just before He comes, and it looks like this is what's happening. — R.M.

The Bible does indicate that life will become very difficult before Christ comes again: "For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now" (Matthew 24:21).

Are we living in those days? The Bible warns us against setting dates or trying to make precise predictions, and we need to remember that the world has gone through hard times before. But the Bible does give us a number of other signs or events that must take place before Christ returns - and many of these seem evident today. For example, Jesus said that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world ... and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Never has this been more possible than today, with satellites and the Internet making the Gospel accessible to millions around the world.

Instead of being fearful about the future, I urge you to be optimistic - because of Christ. He alone is our hope, for someday He will return to establish His perfect Kingdom of righteousness and peace. Keep your eyes on Him.

In the meantime, ask God to help you make whatever adjustments you need to during these difficult days, and to trust the future into His hands. The Bible says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have" (Hebrews 13:5). This may seem hard - but it's the way of peace.