From my devotional book Daily Prayer (which was followed by its sequel Daily Prayer 2), a reminder that there is a time and a place for everything, and that we need to follow God’s prompting rather than our own.
Read
There is a season for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 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 pull down and a time to build up; a time to cry and a time to laugh; a time to grieve and a time to dance; a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them; a time to embrace and a time not to embrace; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to mend; a time for silence and a time for speech; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Ponder
Time’s a funny thing, isn’t it? One moment we can feel down in the dumps and the next on top of the world; today life can seem full of trouble but tomorrow it may appear full of promise. Our experience is always changing and life is constantly moving on. In some ways that is a sobering prospect, reminding us all too starkly of our mortality, yet where would we be without the variety that the passing of time brings: the passing of the seasons, the birth and growth of a child, the anticipation of a special event and, of course, our hope in Christ.
The secret, with time, is knowing how to respond to it; understanding what mood or action is appropriate for a particular occasion. Should we put the past behind us or hold on to it? Should we grasp the nettle or admit defeat? Should we stand up for our principles or be ready to bend? We face a host of questions like these every day, and no answer is uniformly correct. We need to seek God’s guidance and help, for he is the one who holds all time in his hands; the one who in all the changes and chances of this life will not change.
Ask yourself
Are you always chasing after time? Are you burdened by a fear of the future or a weight from the past? Is it time you let go and trusted in God’s timing?
Pray
Loving God, thank you for this day and all the opportunities it brings – moments to work and rest, give and receive, wonder and worship. Thank you for having been with me throughout my life – always there to guide my footsteps and lead me forward. Thank you for the assurance of your continuing guidance – the knowledge that whatever the future may bring, whatever challenges I may face or trials I may endure, you will be there to see me through, giving me the strength and resources I need, and a joy that cannot be shaken.
God of past, present and future; the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; I praise you for each and every moment, and consecrate them all to your service. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Remember
I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand. Psalm 31:14-15a
Close
Eternal God, teach me to use each moment wisely, open to your guidance and so understanding what is right for each occasion. Teach me to see time not as a threat but as your gift, and so may I live life to the full, as you desire. Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.