The Bible has a lot to say about the sands of time
Time is elusive. As I grow older, it feels like time passes more quickly. When I see pictures of my granddaughter on Facebook from four years ago, it feels like it was just yesterday. It reminds me how precious time is.
The Bible has a lot to say about time. For example, King Solomon shares his wisdom by reminding us there is a time for everything in life. We need to trust God’s timing and be patient in different seasons.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)
I find this verse helpful in recognizing that there are times in life when things may be busier than others. For example, when I was a young mother, I didn’t have the time to do the things I can now do as an empty-nester. Understanding this takes the pressure off feeling guilty for not doing things I think I “should” be doing.
The Bible also offers ways to best spend our time. One such way is in rest and worship.
For example, God set the example by resting on the seventh day.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:2–3, NIV)
Years ago, I decided not to work on my computer or watch television on Sundays. It freed me up to enjoy the day going to church, visiting friends and family, and reading. Again, I didn’t have the guilt of not doing things I thought I “should” be doing.
Jesus tells us to put God first by spending time in prayer and Bible study before other activities.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
We need to make God our priority. And when we put God first, He takes care of our needs. Jesus reinforced this command when He celebrated Mary’s choice to sit at His feet over Martha’s choice to be busy with housework.
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’ (Luke 10:38–42, NLT)
When given a choice between checking something off my to-do list or reading my Bible, I tend to gravitate towards the dopamine-releasing activity of item-checking. But God is saying my time is better spent in prayer and Bible study before other activities.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae about the value of time and warned them to use it wisely. His advice applies to us today as well. We need to be careful not to waste time on unimportant things and focus on what matters. This includes witnessing to others and sharing Jesus’ love and God’s Word.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16, ESV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5, NIV)
Teaching and sharing about God should be a priority. We need to be ready to talk about Jesus anytime. This is one of the reasons I started a blog 20 years ago. It helped me to work out my newfound faith and also share it with others.
Both Moses and James (Jesus’ brother) understood the value of time and how life is short and uncertain. They encourage us to live each day with purpose and be intentional about how we spend our time.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14, ESV)
My second granddaughter passed away at the tender age of 7 months. This was a stark reminder to me and my family of how precious life is.
The Bible reminds us that our days are limited, and we should use them with purpose and wisdom. Time has seasons, and each one serves a purpose under God’s plan. We are called to put God first, live each day with intention, to grow spiritually, share His love and seek His will.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.(Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, NIV)