Recently I was sent some humorous church bulletin bloopers. One blooper read, "For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs."

A second blooper read, "Don’t let worry kill you - let the church help."

It is my hope, that this morning’s sermon will help, not to kill you, but to help you with your life’s worries, to help you face the future without fear.

As we approach the new millennium there has been a lot said about, ‘Y2K’. "‘Y2K’ is a computer problem which stems from the fact that, in order to save memory, at one time numerous computer programmers used only 2 digits rather than four to indicate the year (e.g., ‘99’ for 1999). This short cut is programmed into millions of software programs, computer hard drives and small computer chips embedded in machines ranging from household appliances, such as TVs and VCRs, elevators and traffic lights. When the year 2000 arrives, many computer systems that have not been corrected will assume the date ‘00’ is 1900." Focus on the Family, Y2K.

U. S. News Magazine reported several months ago, about a Wall Street Executive who fears that January 1, 2000 will bring a great social and financial abyss. He moved his family to Virginia where he bought several acres of land. He is raising his own food and cattle. He has taught his children how to butcher them. Has built a security fence around his property and has told his children how to shoot a riffle in case looters make it through.

Just last week I read an article in Discipleship Journal which started off, "I’m OK with Y2K." This person isn’t the least bit concerned with the possibility of a complete shut down of business and the prospect of anarchy in the streets. Perhaps this person is OK with Y2K, because Jesus said,

Y2K has its uncertainties, as does everything in life. The shootings at Columbine H.S. earlier this year caused uncertainties about sending your children to school, about parenting, about violence, about our culture. You cannot watch a evening news program or read the newspaper without becoming concerned or anxious about some area of life.

Aside from what makes headlines, there are other concerns that keep us awake at night. What person has not lost sleep worrying about their future, anxious about finding a job, sweating the outcome of a test, fretting over something.

Which parent hasn’t rocked their child to sleep in the middle of the night and not become anxious thinking about all the potential pitfalls their child could possibly fall into. The pitfalls of getting involved with the wrong crowd, the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol, the demand of peer pressure.

Who hasn’t at least once in their life, worried about the very things listed in this morning’s scripture verses, about what

Don’t worry, be happy, doesn’t cut it at 3 A.M. in the morning when you can’t sleep because you’re anxious about your finances.

So what can you do? When fears of the future stalk you what can you do about it? How can you face the future without fear?

Jesus gives us the answer,

The answer: Your calm is found in Striving first, or seeking first the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is telling you and me, Remember God, the Creator. The apostle Paul wrote,

Paul is proclaiming God is sovereign. God is in control. He is the author of life. Life, with all its concerns and fearful debris, IS in the hands of God. Does this mean that bad things won’t happen. NO, but it does tell us that we can count on God.

Romans 8:28 declares to us that we can count on God to work bad into good if we love Him. Despite what we see or can’t see, what we feel or dread, God has a purpose and a plan.

When fears stalk you.

Remember God the Creator.

Remember the deeds of the Lord. Remember when God intervened in the past, particularly your past. Remember when God sent a messenger of hope. Remember when God changed your attitude, when God brought peace. Remember how God supplied your needs.

Psalm 105 contains 43 verses of God’s fulfilled providence’s to the Israelites. I am certain you and I could all write, and it might do us well to write our own Psalm. A Psalm which proclaims God’s providence in our life.

When fear grips us, we tend to forget what God has done for us in times past. Our forgetfulness doesn’t negate God’s steadfast love.

Life, with all its uncertainties, presents you with a choice, be consumed with fear or be consumed with trust in God. The former will bring you ulcers, heart attacks, sleepless nights. The later with bring you God’s peace, a peace that passes all understanding.