Redeeming time: Are you in time with God? – 10 July 2020

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:10-12

Time began when God created the world and brought order from chaos, with the sun, moon and stars marking the days and seasons of the earth. (Genesis 1:14-19) Solomon observed, underscoring the significance of time in God’s design, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”; and the complexity of understanding its purpose, that God, “has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:12).

Working with God in the seasons He brings into our lives helps us to benefit optimally from them. A new season heralds opportunity for a fresh start, not least at this time. The “new normal” has highlighted the importance of the productive use of time. Time, well used, helps us to accomplish our purposes and keeps us on track, despite difficulties. Those unable to engage meaningfully in their usual routine in lockdown, discovered that time and days started to blur.

A young mother, speaking on social media, said: “I cannot believe the year is halfway over. Covid has really turned the world on its head and the future seems so uncertain … without a clear picture of what to expect, there is no way to plan anything …”

She was speaking of practical planning in our current situation, but Moses, in the desert, had also contemplated the significance and effect of the quick passage of time, seen in his words today. Even in the desert, so long ago, his experience was like the young mother’s: time catches us unaware of its passing. Moses entrusted this problem to its Creator.

In summing up God’s framework for time and purpose in the life of humankind, he realises how limited we are to use it optimally. Wisdom to live meaningfully in the time we have on earth comes through knowing God, and respecting His power over life and death. Moses had met with God so many times, yet humbly confesses his need for His guidance.

What we do with our time, and each new season it brings, counts. We can redeem this gift by asking God for His wisdom and oversight.

Are we in time with Him?

Prayer: Eternal Father, thank you for the time you have given to us to use meaningfully on earth and to prepare us for eternity. In this season of ‘new normal’ you are giving us an opportunity to change our ways to make the best possible use of our lives, Your gift to us. May we grow wise as we love and revere you, and appreciate each new day you give us. Amen