When Jesus sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, they asked about the signs of His coming. Among the things He named was something every generation has known: wars, and rumors of wars. He did not say it to frighten them—He said it so they would recognize the times and not lose heart.

Latter-day Saints hear those words again in Joseph Smith—Matthew, the Doctrine and Covenants, and living prophets. This article gathers that counsel with one aim: not to sell fear, but to invite hope. The same Lord who foretold conflict also said, “See that ye be not troubled.” The signs are not a countdown meant to panic us. They are a call to stand closer to Christ and help gather Israel while there is still daylight.

What the Scriptures Teach

Joseph Smith—Matthew carefully preserves the Savior’s latter-day answer:

“And ye shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23; see also Matthew 24:6).

Notice the order. First comes the prophecy. Immediately after comes the commandment: be not troubled. Conflict is not proof that God has abandoned His children. It is evidence that prophecy is unfolding—and that the Savior’s counsel still applies.

Doctrine and Covenants 45 echoes the same sign: wars and rumors of wars, the earth in commotion, and men’s hearts failing them (see D&C 45:26). A few verses later the Lord describes Zion as a place of safety whose strength is unity and holiness (see D&C 45:66–71). The preface adds honest balance: peace would be taken from the earth, yet “the Lord shall have power over his saints” (D&C 1:35–36). Section 98 gives disciples their default posture: “renounce war and proclaim peace” (D&C 98:16). Nephi saw nations gathered to battle—and also taught that the righteous need not fear (see 1 Nephi 14:15–16; 22:16–17).

What This Means

“Be not troubled” does not mean “be uninformed” or “be passive.” It means refuse despair. Interpret headlines through covenants. Choose holy places—homes, chapels, temples, stakes of Zion—as refuge and as launching points for service (see D&C 45:32; 87:8; 115:6).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks listed wars and rumors of wars among the signs of the Lord’s return, then pointed Saints to spiritual preparation. If we are prepared, we need not fear (see D&C 38:30). President Russell M. Nelson has invited the Church to prepare for the Second Coming by gathering Israel, talking of Christ, and making temple covenants a way of life. Wars and rumors may fill the news; the prophet’s voice keeps pointing us to joy and missionary work.

Fear is a poor missionary. The Savior names the sign, then commands calm trust. He does not ask disciples to pretend the world is peaceful. He asks them not to let conflict master their hearts.

Recognizing the Sign in Our Day

It is fair—and faithful—to notice, briefly and without sensationalism, that wars and rumors of wars are not abstract for us.

As of recent years, major armed conflicts and related crises continue in several regions. This is not a complete map, and it is not meant to rank suffering. It is a plain snapshot: prolonged fighting and humanitarian distress in places such as Ukraine, Sudan, parts of the Middle East, Myanmar, and regions of Africa—plus the constant churn of darker rumors.

None of that is offered to frighten anyone into faith. It is offered so we can say honestly: the sign the Savior named is visible—and His next words still apply. If a headline unsettles you, let it send you toward prayer for peace, care for the suffering, and the Prince of Peace—not toward doom scrolling or date-setting.

What You Can Do

If this sign feels heavy, start with the Savior’s first counsel: do not be troubled. Then choose a few concrete acts of faith.

Pray for peace and for those who suffer. Section 98 asks us to proclaim peace. Prayer aligns us with the God who hears every nation.

Stand in holy places. Keep the Sabbath. Attend the temple when you can. Make your home a place of light.

Follow living prophets. Preparation for the Second Coming includes gathering Israel and turning more fully to Jesus Christ.

Practice peacemaking close to home. Most of us will not negotiate treaties. All of us can refuse contempt, tell the truth kindly, and heal a quarrel.

Help someone take a first step toward Christ. If you are seeking, you do not need to untangle every headline before you talk with missionaries. You only need a willing heart.

An Invitation to Peace

If you have felt unsettled by wars and rumors of wars—and who has not?—consider that feeling as a doorway rather than a verdict. The Lord foresaw this season. He also prepared a people, priesthood, temples, and a living prophet to help the world receive Him when He comes. The restored gospel does not ask you to be afraid enough. It asks you to come unto Christ.

You can begin today. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew and Doctrine and Covenants 45 slowly. Then, if you feel drawn to learn more, talk with missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will not ask you to buy fear. They will invite you to learn of Christ, to pray, and to discover whether the Book of Mormon and the Restoration are true.

A simple place to start is the Church’s invitation to chat with a missionary or explore faith at ComeUntoChrist.org. Ask your questions. Bring your worries about the world. Bring your hope that God still speaks. The signs of the times—including wars and rumors of wars—are real. So is the Prince of Peace.

For Readers Who Want to Go Deeper

Primary scriptures for this theme include Matthew 24:6–7; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23, 28–30, 37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 1:35–36; 38:30; 45:26–32, 66–71; 87:8; 98:16, 23–36; 115:6; and 1 Nephi 14:15–16; 22:16–17.

Helpful prophetic addresses include Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” April 2004; Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” April 2009; and teachings of President Russell M. Nelson on the Second Coming and gathering Israel.

None of these sources exist to make you anxious. They exist so you can see clearly, trust Christ more deeply, and help someone else find the same refuge.

A tool we recommend: Scripture Notes is a Latter-day Saint scripture study site and app for searching the scriptures, keeping notes by verse, and finding patterns faster—built to help you get more revelation in less time. We support their work; if you’re going deeper on these passages, it’s worth a look.

If you’d like to put into words what you believe, you can share a testimony at https://myldstestimony.com/.

Independence note: Witness the Signs is an independent project and is not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Church. Content here reflects our own study and opinions; for official doctrine and materials, visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Witness the Signs writes about prophesied latter-day conditions so readers can recognize God’s hand, feel hope, and take a next step toward Jesus Christ and His restored Church. We are not here to frighten anyone into faith. We are here to point to the Prince of Peace—and to the living invitation to come and see.