Easter hope in hard times

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

(OSV News) -- As Christians, we are called to be a sign of the resurrected Christ to the world. Let's stop for a moment and consider how we can find hope -- even in life's hard times.

Be not afraid

Pope St. John Paul II's lifelong admonition of "be not afraid" needs to become ours as well. If we truly believe that God is the source of all, then we know that God can and will provide for us in every situation. But how do we turn our fear into faith? By following the advice St. Paul gives us: "Take every thought captive in obedience to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). We have the ability to control our thoughts; they do not need to control us. When fear begins to creep in, breathe deeply and say with Blessed Julian of Norwich, "All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well." Then act as if you believe it.

Stop worrying

If Jesus had issued an order to worry constantly, many of us would have achieved complete compliance. Jesus' command is just the opposite: "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself" (Mt 6:34). Jesus isn't saying that we shouldn't think about the future, but he is telling us that we must not let worry about things that haven't happened -- and may never happen -- run and ruin our lives. One way to stave off apprehension is to memorize (and then live by) St. Paul's words in Philippians 4:6-7: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Offer thanks in all things

Sometimes we think that giving thanks in all things means being thankful for all things. It doesn't. You don't have to jump for joy if you've lost your job or your savings account has vanished. What we are asked to do is express gratitude for what we have at this very moment. No matter how bad things are, there is something good in your life, so take a few minutes and make a gratitude list. Start with the basics: food, clothing, shelter. Move on to relationships, health and material possessions. Try to come up with at least 10 things you are grateful for -- and think of maybe 10 more after that.

Ask … and believe

All too often, we consider prayer a measure of last resort. Instead of waiting until panic prevails, ask God for help in every situation. Jesus says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Mt 7:7). Ask with hopeful confidence … and then look expectantly for his answer, for Jesus followed that advice with, "For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

When things are going well, it's easy to feel uplifted, but hope and joy are not contingent on the economy. They come not from bank accounts and financial prosperity but from a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord. Seek that first and, as the Lord says, "all these things will be given to you" (Mt 6:33).