August 1

The Wise Use Of Time

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. — Eph 5:15-16 BSB

God desires each life to fully develop. Of course, there are exceptions—some lives are condensed into a brief period, where lessons and discipline are quickly learned, and the soul is called to eternity. But generally, every life is meant to experience all the stages of life's journey. There are times to be born or die, to weep or laugh, to gain or lose, to experience peace or storm. These moments are set in God’s plan for you. Don’t try to rush ahead or control the timing—wait for the Lord’s perfect timing. In His plan, everything will work out for your good and His glory. Say to Him, “All my times are in Your hand.”

Life’s moments pass swiftly. Milton, in his famous sonnet about time, calls out to the slow-moving hours, symbolized by the swinging of a pendulum. Looking back, it can feel like each moment was fleeting, gone before we realized. The story is told of a cobbler who, while listening to the ticking of his clock, thought the pendulum swung left saying, "Forever," and to the right, "Where?" Forever—where? Unable to answer the question, he stopped the clock, but found that stopping the questioner didn’t resolve his dilemma. It wasn’t until he knelt in prayer and faced the question of eternity that he found peace.

We must be ready for each moment as it comes. Jesus said, "My hour has not yet come," waiting patiently until He heard heaven’s call. When the time came, He drew the strength needed and stepped forward to meet it. Each season is in the Father’s hands—He opens doors no one can shut, and closes doors no one can open. But in His hands are also the strength, wisdom, and grace needed for each moment. As the time, so is the strength. No trial, temptation, or loss is without its specific provisions from God. Take what you need from His hand and face the moment prepared.

Prayer

Oh, that You would bless us indeed and enlarge our opportunities for service. Let Your hand be with us, and keep us from all that would grieve You. Amen.