Time (Dictionary): The measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues, duration, a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future .
Time (Bible): Delay, tarry, linger, spend time, an indivisible part of time, a moment, from now on, henceforth
Some expressions we use to describe time are:
• Time waits for no man
• Time and time again
• Time out
• And many more.
As Christians we hold to our beliefs about time as revealed by the Bible and the creation. The world takes a strong stance on time (egg-time is money) and understands times value. King Solomon knew time and spoke clearly about time. Indeed, time waits for no one!
Ecclesiastics 3:1-3 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. NASB
Psalm 90:10: As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. (NASB)
The question is: how should we use this gift of time? It certainly clear that the clock is ticking for all of us. Certainly, we must first understand the immense power of time. Time does not stop. (The Bible does record a number of events where time came to a standstill). Time waits for no one.
How we use time will impact what we do in this life and on into eternity! It is using
time management but having the Holy Spirit lead the way.
The Lord has accomplished His word from creation and it has been for His pleasure.
Isaiah 46:10: Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure. (NASB)
All of creation responds to time and seeks to be in harmony with Creator God:
Jeremiah 8:7 Even the stork in the sky Knows her seasons; And the turtledove and the swift and the thrush Observe the time of their migration; But My people do not know the ordinance of the LORD. (NASB)
Job 39:1-2 Do you know the time the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the deer? Can you count the months they fulfill, Or do you know the time they give birth?” (NASB)
It therefore behooves us to be placed on God’s time-line! We must trust the Lord and walk out His plan.
Isaiah 55: 6-12: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let him return to the LORD,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
12 “For you will go out with joy
And be led forth with peace;
The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you,
And all the trees of the field will clap their hands”(NASB)
When we walk the path, God established for us we walk in His steps. Allowing God to set the time line allows amazing freedom!!
So, let us not “kill time” but rather seek out what God is saying and use our time wisely!
