GOD’S STRENGTH FOR YOUR TODAY

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Sunday, September 14, 2025

“It is often said that we are continually being crucified between two thieves—the regrets of yesterday and the worries about tomorrow.” -Warren Wiersbe, Chapel message at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, November 9, 1998

(Matthew 6:33–34, NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

“God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

“I don’t know what I’ll do if my husband dies.” You will, when the time comes.

“When my children leave the house, I don’t think that I can take it.” It won’t be easy, but strength will arrive when the time comes.

The key is this: Meet today’s problems with today’s strength. Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for today.”  -Max Lucado, Traveling Light for Mothers (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2002), 74-75

(Luke 12:31–32, NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

LAP – God gives me strength for today, not yesterday’s regrets, nor tomorrow’s fears, but today’s needs.

1.  ASK GOD YOUR QUESTIONS AND TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL

(Psalm 143:4, NASB) “My spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me.”

(Lamentations 2:19, NLT) “Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.”

(Psalm 34:18, Message) “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.”

LAP – God meets you in prayer at the altar where you can leave your cares.

2.  REMEMBER WHO GOD IS

“Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” (Psalm 145:3–8, NLT)

a.  I can remember His greatness, power, splendor, miracles, mercy, compassion, and unfailing love.

b.  I can meditate on the Lord.

c.  I can praise Him.

d.  I can share the Good News with my children, grandchildren, anyone who will listen.

“Worry affects your circulation, your heart, your glands, your nervous system. I have never met a man or known anyone who has died from working too much but I’ve know plenty who have died from worrying too much.”  -Dr. Charles Mayo, cofounder of the Mayo Clinic

LAP – When I spend time worshipping God, my faith and perspective are restored.

3.  REDIRECT YOUR FAITH AND ENERGY TO SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD FIRST

(Matthew 6:33–34, NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

a.  The Kingdom of God priorities.

• Loving God – Worship
• Loving One Another – Fellowship
• Sharing the Good News – Evangelism
• Growing in Faith – Discipleship
• Generosity – Stewardship

b.  Paraphrase – Jesus said, “if you make your priority my stuff, I’ll make as my priority your stuff.”

LAP – Faith grows as I trust God with today and cease trying to Lord of my tomorrows.

GROWTHWORK

(1 Peter 3:9, NLT) “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”

(1 Kings 8:58, Message) “May he keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.”

1.  Keep God and His Kingdom at the Center of your Life.

2.  Ask God to keep you aware of the signposts and path He has prepared for you.

3.  Walk at the pace and rhythms of a passionate follower of Christ.

(Proverbs 19:2 NET) “It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.”