Devotional: A Brief Theology of Time
Devotional: A Brief Theology of Time
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. (Psalm 90:12)
Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, school events, the turning of the calendar, even our kids’ soccer schedule—all remind us of the unstoppable forward march of time. Time is part of God’s plan, and His Word has a lot to say about how we use the time we are given. So let’s take a closer look at some biblical thoughts on time.
God Made Time
“In the beginning” is when time was created. Before Genesis 1:1, there was no such thing as time. Along with space, matter (anything that has mass and takes up space), and light, time is God’s idea—He created time and holds the patent on it. After making the heavens and the earth, God made both the land and sea. He then populated both with flying creatures, swimming creatures, and land animals. Then He made mankind in His image and placed us all to exist within time.
God Loans You Some Time to Steward
Before you were born, God had plans for you. Ephesians 2:10 says that God prepared good works for you to do during your lifetime, and He wants to see them done to completion. But the days are evil and there’s much to tempt you from the path He’s laid out for you. So how will you spend the limited amount of time you’ve been given?
Your Time Is Short
Your life is just a mist that will pass quickly (James 4:14). Even if you live seventy-five, eighty-five, or a lengthy ninety-five years, your time on this earth will end with a moan or a sigh (Psalm 90:9). So number your days carefully to gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
Your Time Is Uncertain
None of us knows what tomorrow holds (Proverbs 27:1). You could receive some good news or learn of something terrible. Are you prepared to respond in the knowledge that God is sovereign and always worthy of your praise? Even when it isn’t easy?
Make the Most of It
With all this in mind, you need to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15–16). Time is a precious resource on loan from God for us to manage wisely, and we will be held accountable for how we choose to use it. No matter how you slice it, our time in this life is brief and offers no guarantees. But you are all called to be faithful, love God with all your being, follow Him, and walk in His steps, keeping your eyes on Jesus Christ.
God, thank you for making me in your image and placing me in your creation to know you and bring you glory. Help me to manage my time well, to be about your business, and to accomplish the work you have prepared in advance for me to do.
Walking by faith and enjoying the homeschooling adventure of a lifetime!
Davis is the president of Apologia Educational Ministries, the #1 publisher of Creation-based science and Bible curriculum. He is also the author of four illustrated children’s books designed to help kids learn a biblical worldview. He believes that if there was ever a time to homeschool, it is now!
Davis’s four books include: Good Morning, God, based on Deuteronomy 6, A Light for My Path, an ABC book based on Psalm 119, In the Beginning, based on the Creation account in Genesis, and Psalms to Know Early