O God, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference;
living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

Have you ever heard someone say, “If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention?”

The same could be said for worry, and certainly right now. Sometimes, watching the news cycle, I have felt helpless in the face of the bad decision of others. I feel like I can’t affect any of the outcomes, and what use is even caring anymore? Unless you’re a leader on the world stage, these are familiar themes for many of us.

And we know the lovely scripture that says, “Consider the lilies of the field,” in Luke Chapter 12, which ends with the coda: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Well, what if we don’t make it to the kingdom, you might ask. And I want comfort right now!

Consider anew the prayer above from Reinhold Niebuhr, and then look at the dates of his life.

Niebuhr lived through World War I, World War II, The Korean War, part of the Vietnam War, and myriad other conflicts besides. And this is the prayer he bequeathed us. After all he’d seen, after all the moments of feeling powerless. I recommend it to you again, for centering and focus. Remember that you are not in charge of everything.

And remember that God walks with us through the fire and wars and the perfect moments too. And you will not be powerless forever. As we prepare to face the empty tomb again, let us do so with anticipation. Let us do so with hope.