When Jesus sat with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, He named earthquakes among the signs of the last days. He did not say it to turn His friends into disaster spectators. He said it so they would recognize the times—and so they would not lose heart. The same Lord who foretold that the earth would be in commotion also said, “See that ye be not troubled.” Natural calamities are real. So is His counsel to prepare without surrendering to fear.

Latter-day Saints hear those words again in Joseph Smith—Matthew, Doctrine and Covenants 43, 45, and 88, and living prophets. This article names that sign honestly and invites hope. The signs are not a countdown meant to panic us. They are a call to stand closer to Christ, help the suffering, and become a prepared people.

What the Scriptures Teach

Joseph Smith—Matthew lists earthquakes “in divers places” among latter-day signs (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:29; see also Matthew 24:7). The Savior frames the disciple’s response as watchfulness without terror: be not troubled; treasure up His word; refuse deception (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23, 37–39).

Doctrine and Covenants 45 adds that the whole earth shall be in commotion (D&C 45:26)—yet the same revelation tells Saints to stand in holy places and describes Zion as a refuge of peace (D&C 45:32, 66–71). Section 88 teaches that after the testimony of the Lord’s servants comes the testimony of earthquakes and storms (D&C 88:88–91). These events are not random noise. In prophetic teaching they call people to repentance and readiness—never to speculation.

Doctrine and Covenants 43 records that the Lord has called upon the nations by His servants and by earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (D&C 43:23–25). Calamity, in that frame, invites people to turn to God. Section 38 promises that if we are prepared we need not fear (D&C 38:30).

The Book of Mormon shows civilizations facing storms and earthquakes—especially at the Savior’s death among the Nephites (3 Nephi 8–10). Physical catastrophe is never the end of the story when people will come unto Christ.

What This Means

President Dallin H. Oaks listed earthquakes, famine, pestilence, and the earth in commotion among major signs of the Lord’s return. He noted accelerating disaster patterns, called them “ominous,” and immediately turned the Church toward preparation—especially spiritual preparation. A seventy-two-hour kit may help; a lamp of daily discipleship matters more for the coming of the Bridegroom.

Living prophets also refuse date-setting. Faithful watching means noticing, preparing, serving, and trusting—not building a career on fear. When disasters strike, humanitarian responses become discipleship in action: we recognize the sign without exploiting it, and we bind up wounds.

Recognizing the Sign in Our Day

It is fair—and faithful—to notice, briefly and without sensationalism, that earthquakes and natural calamities remain part of the human story in our generation.

As of 2025–2026, major earthquakes continue to cause loss and destruction in various regions, and storms, floods, and related hazards repeatedly affect vulnerable populations. This snapshot is not a complete map and is not ranked for speculation.

None of it is offered to frighten anyone into faith. It is offered so we can say honestly: the signs the Savior named are visible—and His counsel still applies: be not troubled; prepare; stand in holy places; help those who suffer. If a headline unsettles you, let it send you toward prayer and the Prince of Peace—not doom scrolling.

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.

Prepare spiritually first. Daily prayer, scripture study, sacrament, repentance, and temple worship fill the lamp.

Prepare temporally with calm wisdom. Follow Church counsel on food storage, emergency plans, and prudent savings as your circumstances allow. Preparation is an act of love for your family—not a performance of fear.

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

Help those who suffer. Donate. Volunteer when you can. Mourn with those who mourn. The Lord’s people should be known for relief, not for saying “I told you so.”

If you are seeking, you do not need to untangle every disaster headline before you talk with missionaries. You only need a willing heart.

An Invitation, Not a Warning Siren

If you have felt unsettled by earthquakes and natural calamities—and who has not?—consider that feeling as a doorway rather than a verdict. The Lord foresaw this season. 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 1:28–30 and Doctrine and Covenants 38:30; 87:8; 88:88–92. 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 a shaking world—and your hope that God still speaks and still saves. The signs of the times—including earthquakes and natural calamities—are real. So is the Prince of Peace. He has already told His friends not to be troubled. That promise still holds.

For Readers Who Want to Go Deeper

Primary scriptures for this theme include Matthew 24:7; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:28–30, 37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 38:30; 43:23–25; 45:26–32; 87:8; 88:88–92; and 3 Nephi 8–10.

Helpful prophetic addresses include Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” April 2004; Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” April 2009; and modern First Presidency counsel on temporal and spiritual preparedness.

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.