It was 11:58 p.m. on December 31, 1999.
Most people I knew were just minutes away from “partying like it was 1999.” It was New Year’s Eve, baby. And it was a big one.
Meanwhile, I sat at my work desk on full alert, eyes glued to my computer screen. I sat in a newsroom full of other reporters, waiting to see whether our world would collapse under a predicted technological catastrophe.
Do you remember that year? It was the year of the “Y2K bug.” Many people believed that when the calendar switched from 1999 to 2000, computers all over the world would glitch out. Doomsdayers warned that this glitch might just end civilization as we know it. Grocery stores couldn’t keep bottled water and canned goods in stock. Companies were investing thousands of dollars in preparation for the Y2K bug.
So we reporters were called in to wait, watch, and then report.
While I sat at my desk, the clock struck midnight. And???
Nothing happened.
My lede on the next morning’s news story was this: “Bathed in uninterrupted heat and light at 12:01 a.m., we abandoned our Y2K fears faster than a New Year’s resolution.”
So much of what millions of people worried about . . . never came to pass.
I hadn’t thought about that moment for a really long time — until last night. Why? Because it reminded me of the unproductive nature of worry. I needed that reminder this week, because I have been such a worrier lately.
We have a LOT to worry about, right? The instability of our world. The uncertainty of the economy. A presidential election that has so many people in knots.
And most of you have your own personal stuff that won’t make the news headlines — yet it’s the stuff that keeps you awake at night anyway.
Maybe we all have a good reason to worry. And look, I get it: it’s definitely possible that one’s worst fears will come true. I have had some of my deepest fears unfold into reality.
But it’s just as true that our worst fears will never come to pass — kind of like the Y2K catastrophe that wasn’t.
Worrying about what might happen tomorrow, does little more than to distract us from what God is doing today.
In the end, this truth remains: We can’t fix outcomes, but we can fix our minds on Christ.
God must have known we’d face times like these, because He gave us words of hope, on nearly every page of Scripture, to keep us grounded when things got out of hand. He’s a master of offering hope.
Today, let’s keep grounded. Let’s listen to the Master of Hope.
My challenge for all of us today is this:
Today, let’s do this. Let’s join together as a community of (in)courage believers and re-read the promises given to us in Romans 8:28-39. In those verses, Paul reminds us that we are more than conquerors, no matter what we face.
Paul asks us an important question: What can separate you from God’s love?
Is it death? Our past mistakes? Some raging addiction? A worldwide catastrophe? An election?
The answer, of course, is nothing. Nothing can separate you from Christ’s love.
N-O-T-H-I-N-G.
No matter what happens tomorrow, or next week, or next year, or the next time all the news reporters in all the world gather in their newsrooms waiting for the next predicted catastrophe. We are still held in the palm of Christ’s forever love.
You don’t have to worry anymore. Why?
Because of Jesus. That’s why. He’s got this. And He’s got you.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing — nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable — absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. {Romans 8:37-39}
YOUR TURN: Read Romans 8:28-39 today. Reading these words, what gives you hope in times like these?
Leave a Comment
Andrea says
This is just wonderful! Thank you! Sometimes I get caught up and let the worry take over. I found exactly what I needed today. Thank you!
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
So glad these words found their way to you, Andrea.
IOLA WILKINS says
Great!! I’m engaged to be married and I try not to worry about things and what’s going to happen wrong in future. This encourages me.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
“We can’t fix outcomes, but we can fix our eyes upon Christ!” Love this! How true. I’ve done a study on this segment of scripture, which I love and intend to meditate on, and the word for “more than conquerors” in the Greek is “hypernikao” which means to thoroughly conquer, to go beyond conquest. The thought being that when, for example, one country conquers another, the thought is that it can always be taken back in conquest. The Bible says that, through Christ, we are MORE than conquerors – we are hypernikao – in other words the conquering that we have done through Christ, over this world, CANNOT be taken back. We are and will be the ultimate victors – guaranteed. I take comfort in knowing that if Christ is for me, who can be against me? Evil may appear to have a temporary victory, but it’s just that…temporary. Our victory is secure in Him and that’s what I’ll be resting on in the hours and days ahead. Awesome reminder that so much of what we worry about never comes to pass…and where our hope lies!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Brenda says
Bev,
Thank you for this information. It just reminds me once again that the only security we possess is in Him.
Charlene Johnson-Boyd says
I totally agree. Be blessed.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
He is our only source of security indeed!
Bev xx
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Oh Bev. That is so rich. Thank you for giving all of us something really powerful to think about.
Jane says
Amen and amen!
Brenda says
You are so right that worrying about tomorrow “distracts” us from what God is doing today. The “distraction factor” is the game of the enemy, BUT the truth is that Hope has a name — He is Christ, the Mighty King, our Fortress, our Strong Tower; He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Jennifer, thank you, I needed this faith builder today.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
I should have a Ph.D. in worrying by now. And unfortunately, that means I’ve become well versed in what you call the “distraction factor.” Grateful for people who continually point to Jesus, and keep my pointing north.
Theresa Ware says
That k you for the sweet reminders, may we keep our eye’s fixed on you sweet Jesus.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
You are quite welcome. Thank you for being here.
Stephanie says
Thank you so much for this! Beautiful truths I needed to hear. I worry often but reading this has brought me peace. God loves us always and NOTHING can seperate us from His unchanging, never ending, one of a kind love. Thank You Jesus! Thank you Jennifer for sharing. Xoxoxoxo
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
So glad these words encouraged you, Stephanie. God bless you this week, and always.
Eunice Eubanks says
This is so true. . .such a testimony of who we are and profess to be in Christ Jesus. In light of all the concerns we have with this election among other things. . .a man I greatly admire suggested we in Christ commit to prayer and fasting from Monday night until Wednesday morning. I feel most energized and encouraged in that and I have adopted it to share with others. We don’t fight with the weapons of this world. . .but we fight with power and certain victory!!! Thanks be to God!!!
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Thank you, Eunice. There is an invisible battle that we cannot see. I love the idea of committing to prayer over the next couple of days.
Lora Leftwich says
Amen!
Joyce says
Thank you for this powerful reminder to walk in victory this week!
Karen says
Isaiah 26:3-4….[steadfast…fixed….stayed]
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Yes….
Michele Morin says
You and Mark Twain!
“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life — most of which never happened!”
Me, too, Jennifer. Me, too.
Thanking God for His peace to stop worry in its tracks and to divert the thought process to prayer.
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Nice! I love that, Michele. Thanks for sharing the quote.
Susan Margeson says
Thank you for your message today. I really needed this, when all things in my life are bleak, evil, and darkness surrounds me each step that I take. Hope is not a word that I can embrace. Thank you. “For if the Lord is for me, who then can be against me.” I so need to keep these words ever present with my walk throughout the days, as I pray.
Thank you again.
Sue
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
Sue,
Praying for you right now, as you battle hard things in your life. May you feel God so close, bringing you the hope that heart desires.
Susan Margeson says
Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. I pray that the Lord will look down and help in all arenas; I feel as if He has turned away (like Job), as I feel so alone without any kind of hope, each day gets harder. Between my mother’s illness (Lewy Body dementia – end stages — and no help), work (I work full time) being a patute about things and literally making things more difficult, and financial issues in the care for my mother — it is hard. There is only big me, me, and little me, traveling this journey. People do not understand the walk/journey of dementia, the isolation of it all, and then they just make it all worse by creating additional obstacles, extra hills, and walls to climb and leap over. I pray that I could be a Joshua, blow my horn, and the walls of Jericho tumble down; peace would be obtained and understanding given.
As previously written by an individual in the comments: If God is for me who can be against me. Evil may appear to have a temporary victory… But it is only temporary.
Thank you again.
Betty says
thank you *
Marty Duane says
I just used that same scripture in my last post and today it is here, reminding me again and again and I love that about God, how He orchestrates all things (especially reminders of His love) and it is so true, nothing, not even Trump or Hilary winning or my health problems or countless other worries will separate us from His love.
Needed this reminder today. Thanks Mrs. Lee!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
I remember well Y2K. I was at a New Year’s Eve party and had no worry about the impending doom. I knew “God has this”. I have hope in the fact that God is in control!! No matter what happens He allowed it to happen. One day, soon I pray, He will come back and take us to our “real” home. I just pray about everything and trust God. I can do that because I have seen miracles. God healed my aging dad from serious dementia issues and brought him back to me. He is once again able to go outside for walks & car rides.
Blessings 🙂
Lynn D. Morrissey says
Jennifer thank you for this much-needed reminder. I had just shared Romans 8:28 yesterday with a dear friend, reminding us both that God works out all things (including elections) together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purposes. And I’m so glad you shared the remaining part of that passage. Nothing can ever separate us from Christ’s love, not even our worrying . . . though my worrying has certainly clouded my vision of Him, and caused me to focus on fear, doubt, frustration, and even despair. I’ve learned over and over that worry accomplishes absolutely nothing positive and joyful. I think of all the good God has accomplished through your happiness dare. I’m happy in the Lord when I focus on truth. Thank you for the truth you have shared today. It’s real. Worry is deception. I love you and so appreciate all you are doing to keep us happy in Jesus, including in abysmal elections. Christ reigns, and when I realize this, He rains down peace in my heart.
Love
LYnn
Charlene Johnson-Boyd says
Beautiful and encouraging reminders of God’s love for us. Thank you for bringing to mind Romans 8:28-39 I have always been blessed when reading these verses.
We are Victors not Victims. God’s got tomorrow all worked out and His will shall be done no matter the outcome.
Blessings
Debi Gable says
Thank you so much for reminding me of this hopeful & encouraging Scripture. I’ve been doing alot of worrying lately, in between doing things that take my mind off of anything…tv, computer, reading…I’m living with my ex-husband, who is 8 years older than me, in remission from 2 bouts of cancer, & now has dementia (the beginnings, only, but difficult just the same). We live together as friends, only, as we were divorced in 1989. He helps me in my illness (bipolar disorder) & I help him in his illness (first, cancer, & now dementia). So, where I worry is about what will happen to me if he dies first. This has me terrified. I live on a disability pension plus a small amount from a pension plan. When I reach 65 (Apr 2017), I think I may lose my disability pension. Therefore, I have no idea how much I’ll be living on. Plus I’m afraid to live on my own. I’m also physically disabled, so I need help when I go anywhere, unable to drive, etc. Anyhow, I thank God that He is on my side all the way, & I don’t need to worry, as God already knows how I’ll manage all these things, if I need to. I’m going to write out these verses & put them somewhere that I can read them every day. Thank you,Lord. And thank you, Jennifer! God bless you & all of these wonderful ladies who wrote replies.
Rebecca L Jones says
Yes, He ‘s got it. If we could only spend as much time focusing as worrying, we’d have it made. I know what a Ph.D in worry is too, a phony diploma.
Janean says
A little excerpt from Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening for today run right along this train of thought. It’s been blessing me all morning.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:16
. . . . “I have graven thee.” It does not say, “Thy name.” The name is there, but that is not all: “I have graven thee.” See the fulness of this! I have graven thy person, thine image, thy case, thy circumstances, thy sins, thy temptations, thy weaknesses, thy wants, thy works; I have graven thee, everything about thee, all that concerns thee; I have put thee altogether there. Wilt thou ever say again that thy God hath forsaken thee when he has graven thee upon his own palms?
Martha Orlando says
What gives me hope is knowing God’s got this – all of it! And no matter what happens tomorrow and in the days that follow, I know God can and will fit all to His great plan and purpose.
Blessings, Jennifer!
Jasmine Ryan says
Hi Jennifer! I was blissfully unaware of Y2K, but my biggest fear for that day did come true…I fell asleep before midnight and had to face my friends at school on Monday without an awesome New Years story to tell. But hey, I’m telling the story now, so just another reminder that our biggest fears can seem almost comical with a little perspective. Of course now my fears are a wee bit more serious, but God is reminding me to come to Him as a child, and to approach His throne with reckless abandon. Why? Romans 8.
Yesterday I was well enough to attend church for the first time in two months (praise Him!). The first song we sang was “Desert Song” by Hillsong, and it brought me to tears. The lyrics “And this is my prayer in the battle/ When triumph is still on its way/ I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ/ So firm on His promise I’ll stand” hit me right in the feels, and pointed me right back to the verses you share today.
The greatest hope this offers is this: victory is not a promise for the future; it is right here, right now. Paul does not say “we will be more than conquerors.” We ARE! Pre-November 8, post-November 8, and for all eternity. Why do we live as if we are waiting for victory? What a promise.
Trudy says
Thank you so much, Jennifer. It’s such a comfort to know that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love. I needed that reminder. I keep trying to remind myself that God’s got us, but sometimes the anxiety and worry still sweeps through me. Blessings and hugs to you!
Nancy Ruegg says
Such a wise reminder, Jennifer: “Worry about tomorrow does little more than distract us from what God is doing today.” Makes me wonder: Could I find something true and something noble, something right and something pure, something lovely and admirable, anything excellent or praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8) EVERY DAY? I’m thinking that such a pursuit will keep me plenty busy, distracting me from my worries, instead of the other way around. ‘Think I’ll try it tomorrow — Election Day!!
Theresa says
Oh my, I remember Y2K so well. It seems most of our friends were planning for the worst. They had 50 gallon barrels of gas, hand powered wash machines, new wood burning stoves, hand crank grain grinders,and more. One lady I knew had cooked bread for a week to make sure they had bread for the first month or so when no food was to be found. Our neighbors even practiced over Christmas break to live without power for two days to see if they had any last minute planning to do before New Years. It was wild. Fear was rampant in the air. And that is what Satan wants. Us to be fearful and get sidetracked from what God wants us to be focusing on. Trusting him and loving others. I remember watching PBS that night with my daughter and when we saw Europe reach midnight and the whole country did not go dark, and then other countries, I just looked to my daughter and said I was going to bed. Nothing was going to happen here. But in the middle of the night my husband, who had gone to bed before PBS had begun, woke up and joked about if there was any electricity or not. Better try the light, I joked. On it sprung. And he went back to sleep. All that fear and nothing happened, but some people got real rich from exploiting that fear and selling survival gear.
Carol says
I have been reading comments on Facebook today from people who are so fearful due to the way the election turned out. I will admit I was not happy with either candidate and in fact thought strongly about not voting for either candidate but did feel led to vote for one of them. All I know today is that I feel peace because I truly believe in God and Jesus and I do not think the country as we know it will suddenly change next year when Mr. Trump becomes our president. We need to pray and keep living our lives and treat others with kindness. And I too remember Y2K, when the electricity stayed on at midnight I felt like opening my window and yelling out what Y2K??? I have had to live without electricity due to some unusual weather the last few years and I’m not sure how I survived the one time but I did and life goes on.
Barb Gaines says
Thank you, Jennifer! I was diagnosed with breast cancer today, so it was nice to read your post that’s been sitting in my inbox for a couple days! Just when I needed it.