Enjoy the Day, We Do Not Have Many of Them - Psalm 118:24
Psalm 118:24 (NLT) – “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Introduction
How often do we let the gift of today slip through our fingers, weighed down by worries of tomorrow or regrets of yesterday? Our lives are made up of a finite number of days, each one crafted by God for a specific purpose. Yet how many of us truly enjoy the day, recognising that it is a precious, irreplaceable gift?
Today, we’ll focus on the biblical truth that each day is a blessing from God, and we are called to rejoice in it, regardless of the circumstances. In this sermon, we will delve into what it means to truly live each day in light of God’s grace, how to treasure the moments we are given, and why it is crucial to live fully for the Lord now, while we still have time.
1. Today is a Gift from God: A Day to Rejoice
Let’s begin by reflecting on Psalm 118:24 (NLT): “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” The Hebrew word for "rejoice" is ?????? (samach), which means to be joyful, to delight in, or to express joy. The psalmist is not speaking of a passive emotion, but a deliberate choice to take joy in the day, despite what the day may hold.
Every day is a gift from God, a new opportunity to experience His goodness. This is echoed in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT): “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Every day we wake up, God extends new mercies toward us. This is something worth rejoicing over! No matter what happened yesterday or what may come tomorrow, God has given us the present moment to live in His grace.
But how do we do this practically? Philippians 4:4 (NLT) instructs us, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Rejoicing is not tied to our circumstances, but to our relationship with God. Even when life is challenging, we can rejoice because God is sovereign and His love never fails.
Charles Spurgeon said it well: “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” We often wait for better circumstances to enjoy life, but the Bible encourages us to rejoice in the day we have been given, knowing that God’s presence is with us.
2. The Brevity of Life: We Do Not Have Many Days
The second truth we must face is the reality that our days on earth are numbered. Psalm 90:12 (NLT) teaches us to “Teach us to realise the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” The Hebrew word used for "brevity" here is ??????? (minyan), which carries the meaning of a finite count or limited number. Our time on this earth is brief in the grand scheme of eternity.
James 4:14 (NLT) adds a stark reminder: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” Life is fleeting, like a mist that vanishes. We must, therefore, live with a sense of urgency, treasuring each day as an opportunity to serve God and others.
Living in light of life’s brevity compels us to prioritise what truly matters. We are not promised tomorrow. We should invest our time, energy, and affection in things that have eternal value, as Matthew 6:19-20 (NLT) instructs us: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” Our days should be filled with activities that glorify God and bless others, not wasted on trivial pursuits or selfish ambitions.
A.W. Tozer once said, “Time is a resource that is non-renewable and non-transferable. You cannot store it up, slow it up, hold it up, divide it up, or give it up. You can only use it or lose it.” Let us be mindful to use the time we have wisely.
3. Trusting God with Tomorrow: Do Not Worry
Another crucial aspect of enjoying the day is trusting God with the future. So often, we allow the worries of tomorrow to rob us of today’s joy. But Jesus instructs us clearly in Matthew 6:34 (NLT): “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” The Greek word for "worry" used here is µe??µ??? (merimnao), meaning to be anxious or overly concerned. Jesus tells us not to allow the uncertainty of tomorrow to weigh us down today.
Proverbs 27:1 (NLT) also reminds us: “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” We cannot control the future, but we can trust the One who holds it in His hands. When we trust in God’s sovereignty, we are freed from the burden of anxiety, allowing us to focus on the present with peace and contentment.
Corrie Ten Boom, a woman who faced unimaginable trials during World War II, wisely said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” When we let go of our need to control tomorrow, we can embrace today with joy and purpose.
4. Make the Most of Every Opportunity: Seize the Day for God
Given that we do not have many days, we must seize the ones we do have for the glory of God. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) challenges us: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” The Greek word for "opportunity" is ?a???? (kairos), which refers to a specific moment in time filled with purpose. Every day presents opportunities to serve, love, and grow in our walk with God.
The Bible encourages us to be intentional with how we live. Colossians 4:5 (NLT) echoes this: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” Every day is an opportunity to reflect Christ to the world around us, to share the gospel, and to demonstrate God’s love through our actions.
Imagine a runner in a race. Every step counts. The runner does not look back at the ground already covered, nor does he worry about the finish line miles ahead. He focuses on each stride, making the most of the present step. Similarly, we are called to live with focus and intentionality, making the most of every day God gives us.
Application: How Do We Enjoy the Day?
In light of these truths, how can we practically enjoy the day?
Begin Each Day with Gratitude – Start your day by thanking God for the gift of life and His new mercies. Psalm 92:1-2 (NLT) reminds us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ.
Focus on God’s Presence – Rather than being consumed by worries about tomorrow, focus on the fact that God is with you today. Psalm 16:11 (NLT) says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” God’s presence brings fullness of joy.
Invest in Relationships – Use the day to build meaningful connections with others. Jesus commanded us to love God and love our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-39). Whether through an encouraging word, a kind gesture, or spending time in fellowship, let love guide your actions today.
Call to Action: Embrace the Gift of Today
As we close, I encourage you to reflect on how you are using the gift of today. Are you weighed down by the past or paralysed by worries about the future? Or are you embracing the present, trusting God with your tomorrows, and rejoicing in His goodness today?
Let today be a turning point. Choose to live each day as a gift from God, to rejoice in His presence, and to make the most of every opportunity. Remember, we do not have many days, but each one we are given is an opportunity to experience God’s grace and extend it to others.
Invitation to Faith in Jesus
For those who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus, today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT) says, “Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” God has given you this moment to turn to Him. Will you respond to His call? Will you receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and rose again to give you hope?
If you are ready to make that decision, simply pray: “Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess my sins to You and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite You into my life as my Lord and Saviour. Help me to live for You every day. Amen.”
