Gloom, despair, and agony on me!

I remember sitting with my family being entertained by the Hee-Haw gang as they sang in quartet – fashioned in hillbilly garb, bordered by moonshine jugs and a miserable countenance – "Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me!"  The song was hilarious back then, as its singers depicted in "deep dark depression, excessive misery" and of course without bad luck, they'd have no luck at all!

Such a humorous song of days gone by, but fast-forward to the present state of affairs, and it is no longer a laughing matter. It really seems as if there is only bad luck and bad news. I could not help but think of that song while reading a recent Associated Press article that pointed out how everything is seemingly spinning out of control – not just on an individual basis, but even more so, on the national level.

This year alone, we have seen flooding in the Midwest, while persistent drought plagues the South. Some southern areas may get an interlude from the dry conditions – but at what cost? One hurricane has already slammed into the mainland stressing the New Orleans levies and causing widespread flooding and wind damage

We have experienced the dramatic, falling value of homes. Food and fuel prices are spiraling upward at a faster pace that any can remember. The American public increasingly believes our nation is headed in the wrong direction.

Our political nominees are sarcastically rushing in to "save the day." The current presidential carte du jour presents us with an especially lean choice, where statesman-like leadership is strikingly absent. Instead of principled and meaningful positions, candidates pander to a national press sensationalized by "one-upmanship" – ready-made for the network cameras and an audience with a short attention span.

Even our most adored sports icons no longer project the virtue of American morality. Many sports figures have tarnished the integrity of their profession by drug abuse, riotous living and elitism. The Olympic Games, once respected as the hallmark of friendship among nations, now seem to be more an avenue for how to cheat without getting caught. From underage participants to female impersonators competing with women for unfair advantage, it's no-holds-barred to win gold.

Financial institutions once thought to be bulwarks of economic stability are failing, as their account holders – fearing for their life savings – run on the banks. Most disturbing is the helplessness of a formerly "can-do" American approach frustrated by one calamity after another with no relief in sight.

What will be the final outcome of a world spinning out of control? Can the "American spirit" once again pull itself up by its rugged bootstraps of self determination in a last-ditch effort to forestall the seemingly inevitable train wreck ahead? Is there something or someone from somewhere able to save us from our destructive selves?

Yes, there certainly is! Your Bible reports the encouraging good news of a coming time of restoration of all things, when law and order are re-established on earth (Acts 3:20-21; Isaiah 2:3).

We at Tomorrow's World boldly announce this hopeful and fantastic future for all of mankind! Jesus Christ is returning as King of kings, and Lord of lords to rule this earth! (Revelation 19:16; 5:10) The Kingdom of God will replace this world's erratic and hopeless governments with one that is stronger, more powerful, and infinitely more benevolent than any political body ever assembled by men (Daniel 2:44-45; Revelation 11:15). This government of God, along with His saints, will at last bring real justice, peace, and prosperity to a society of incessant gloom, despair and agony (Zechariah 14:5; Micah 4:1-4).

If you want to know more about this coming period of peace and prosperity, be sure to request our free booklet, "The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?"