In 1965, Barry McGuire recorded the chart-topper "The Eve of Destruction." The bitter lament contained a laundry list of the world's ills according to the singer-songwriter. His frustration is captured in the words, "You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction."
In the same year, the Spokesmen recorded "The Dawn of Correction" as an answer to McGuire's rant. How could any two views be more opposite?
So, what happened in the late '60s? Events went from bad to worse before they began to improve. In 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Bobby Kennedy were assassinated, and rioting was plaguing America's great cities. The Vietnam War was raging. However, McGuire's dire prophecy failed to materialize. In fact, by the early '70s Mr. McGuire was singing a new tune - a Christian message. He now smiles and sings in good times or bad.
Barry can sing a new and heartfelt song because he now knows who he is and Whose he is. He knows why he is here and where he is going.
We may not know what 2012 holds for us, but we know Who holds the future in His hands. The future is bright for the Christian. Now is the time to put our trust in God, not gold. Jesus said: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
• The Rev. Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.
