time, precious time

We waste so much. The list of the things that we waste is long as we look at our time, our trash and even the things that we treasure. Yet I am amazed at the people who seem not to waste anything. It is those people who look at things much different that crowd.

Psalms 39:4-7 NLT

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” 6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.  We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. 7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

Let’s take a few minutes to look from God’s point of view:

First, God reminds us that our time on earth is short. Compared to heaven and our time there, eternity, our years are short whether we live 20 or 80 years. The fact is we must use the time we have to make the biggest difference we can make.

Second, God knows our time. He has a plan, and to grab the best of life and abundant life will help us make the most of the time we do have.

Third, stop being sad over the fact that our time on earth is short. We worry about so much. We miss some of the best things. Faith pushes worry out of the way. Living by faith makes sure that you use the time you have.

Fourth, I like the imagery of the shadows. The old saying “here today and gone tomorrow” has new meaning when we realize that what we have is gone so quickly. The things that some people treasure are like those shadows. It seems to be so strong and so good, but when you come back to check on it, what you thought was there is all gone.

Fifth and finally, hope comes from God and is all about God. He doesn’t plan shadow games tricking us into thinking all is ok or that we will be rich by doing nothing. Again abundant and rich life comes from investing what we have in what will last for a very long time. Don’t waste your time, your effort or the things you treasure.

We must treasure people. We must use our time wisely. We must make sure our faith is built on what will last.

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Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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