Psalm 118:24

Introduction:

1. People have a sad tendency to waste today thinking about yesterday or tomorrow.

2. No doubt we all have regrets from yesterday and concerns about tomorrow, but faithfulness demands we treat today as the blessing it is and live accordingly.

3. Though we can learn from yesterday (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-12), and we can plan for tomorrow (Proverbs 13:22), we must focus on living for Him today.

Discussion:

I. The Brevity of Life

A. A consistent theme in Scripture is the short time we have to live our purpose (Job 8:9; 14:2; Psalms 78:39; 102:11; James 1:10-11; 4:13-14; 1 Peter 1:24).

B. This is not to state the obvious, but it is a call to a specific manner of life intent on using today in the right way (Psalms 39:4; Hebrews 3:7-15; James 4:15).

II. The Blessing of Today

A. Psalm 118:24 sets today forth as a gift of God to be celebrated.

B. Paul was emphatic that today is the day of God’s salvation which makes it the most important day of our lives (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

III. Being Where Our Feet Are

A. Repeatedly we see the need to focus on walking faithfully today.

B. The imperative of this is illustrated in the impact it has in real life.

1. Moses urged numbering our days to gain a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90:12).

2. Jesus warned of the danger of worrying over tomorrow; His argument indicates today’s challenges are enough (Matthew 6:25-34).

3. Paul was emphatic that he left the past behind, so he could live today with his eyes on the prize the Lord laid up ahead (Philippians 3:7-14).

4. The Hebrews writer urged his readers to encourage one another to live today striving for the rest God laid up (Hebrews 3:7-4:7).

Conclusion:

1. Today is the only day any of us has to live; yesterday is gone, and when tomorrow arrives, it immediately becomes today.

2. So, we must be where our feet are, thank God for today, and live it for Him.

Further Food for Thought

1. Does yesterday’s regret or tomorrow’s anxiety ever trip you up in your walk today?

2. How can we eliminate these useless weights and run the race today? (Hebrews 12:1-3)