Singing of the Second Coming: Finding Joy in the Promise

There are days, aren't there? Days when the sheer weight of the world—the needs of our families, the challenges in the field, the sheer magnitude of the work—feels like it might just press down on our shoulders until we can barely breathe. We pour our hearts into our mission prep, we wrestle with the doctrines in our study groups, and we feel the ache of anticipation for the day we can finally return to our families. It can feel overwhelming.

But then, sometimes, the Spirit whispers a reminder, a sweet, powerful melody that cuts through the noise. It reminds us of the promise. It reminds us of the King.

When I heard Phil Wickham’s “What An Awesome God” recently, it felt like a spiritual refresher course right in the middle of a busy week. It wasn't just a song; it was a declaration. It was a reminder of the covenant path we walk, and the glorious destination awaiting us.

The Promise of the King

The lyrics speak so clearly: *“There will be a day He will come to wipe our tears away. No more fear, no more pain, no more sorrow, sin, or shame.”*

As returned missionaries, we hear this promise constantly. We hear it in the missionary discussions, we feel the weight of the Savior’s Atonement every time we testify, and we study the restored gospel in the temple. But sometimes, we get so focused on the *now*—the next talk, the next lesson, the next transfer—that we forget to pause and just soak in the *when*. We get so caught up in the process of being disciples that we lose sight of the glorious end goal.

This song, and the message behind it, is a beautiful anchor for us all—whether you’re currently in MTC, deep in the field, or living your life as a lifelong disciple right here in your own community. It’s a reminder that our efforts, our earnest desire to be Christlike, are not in vain. They are preparation for that day.

Finding Awesome in the Everyday

The song continues, *“For everything you've done and everything you do and everything you are, I'll sing to you.”* That line hit me hard. It suggests that even the seemingly mundane acts of discipleship—the patience required during a difficult teaching moment, the humility needed to ask for help from a district leader, the consistency of showing up for your Book Club—these are all seen, and they are all worthy of song. They are all part of the grand narrative of our lives.

It makes me think about the power of consistent, small acts of faith. It’s not always the grand, visible miracle that sustains us; sometimes it’s the quiet assurance that the Lord sees the effort, the *desire*, to follow Him.

A Little Mission Prep Thought

If I could leave you with one thought today, it’s this: When you feel discouraged by the challenges of the work, don't let your focus shrink to just the problem. Instead, let your focus lift to the promise. Remember that the Savior’s love is not conditional on our perfection; it is a rain of love that never ends. Let that truth become the melody that plays when the hard questions arise.

For those of us who are currently in missionary preparation, I encourage you to use this feeling of anticipation. When you feel that yearning, don't just write it down; meditate on it. Use the social scripture study layer in LivingBook to find verses about eternal promises. Let the community help you keep that focus elevated.

Join the Conversation

If you’re looking for a place to deepen this feeling of covenant hope, I highly recommend checking out the Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to study doctrine and build Zion connections right where you are. If you’re ready to dive into the hard questions, remember that Davee is ready to walk you through any tough doctrinal point you encounter!

What song or scripture helps *you* remember the promise when the work feels heavy? Share it below and lift up a brother or sister today. Let’s keep singing that song of hope!