Precious Time

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how I spend my time. Maybe it is because I have a newborn and it has reminded me how quickly time passes.

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

The Lord has allotted us each an amount of time here on Earth. He has already decided this. It was decided before we were born. That is part of His will for our lives. How we use that time, however, is up to us.

"So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

Time is so precious because we can never get lost time back and we don't know exactly how much time we have here on Earth. Each moment that passes, is a moment lost. In thinking about my daily moments, I realized how those moments turned into hours, hours into days, days into weeks and so on. So much precious time lost on things that don't matter, don't cherish and nurture the people and things that are important to me, don't bring me closer to my Heavenly Father and don't spread the gospel.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

I thought about being accountable to God for that time. If I was to sit with Him today and had to be accountable for my time, would He be disappointed in how I utilized the time that He gave me?

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12

With so many distractions in this fast-paced, jam-packed way of life, how can I stay focused on what is important and ensure that I utilize my time in a way that glorifies and pleases my Heavenly Father?

By talking with Him daily and by reading His word.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

I don't talk to God as often as I should or as often as I could. I'll admit I am easily distracted and I spend a lot of time engaging in things that actually waste my time. I do believe that the enemy loves when I do this. Distraction is an easy way to keep me from drawing closer to God and doing His will.

"But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

I love the Lord but I do find it hard to keep Him first place. This is not intentional but it does happen. I need to make a conscious decision each day to make time for Him and make Him and His will my priority. This is something I'm learning how to do. It's not easy, especially with three little boys that constantly need me, a marriage that needs nurturing to stay healthy, trying to start a business and everything else that happens day to day.

"But I trust in you, LORD. I say, 'You are my God. My times are in your hands.'" Psalm 31:14-15

But I believe that the Lord bestows His grace and mercy upon me as I learn to find balance in my life. I believe that He smiles down on me simply because He knows I desire to keep Him first place even when I get distracted or overwhelmed with the ways of this world.

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." Romans 8:27

No one knows my heart or my desires better than my Heavenly Father and for that reason, I know that He will continue to guide me, encourage me, teach me, discipline me and love me as I continue on this daily journey of faith.

"Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

One thing that I am sure of, is no amount of time spent worshipping God, in fellowship with my Heavenly Father or spreading the gospel to believers and non-believers is wasted time. That is exactly how He would like me to spend my precious time. This is true for all of His children.

"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:17

Sisters and brothers in Christ, how are you spending your precious time?

With Love,

Stacey