“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day.
– 2 Peter 3:8 (ESV)

We kill time. We save time, we rob and get robbed of time. We lose time, and we have all the time in the world. But, not one of us is powerful enough to stop time or slow time down. To a coach, time can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If my football team is trying to execute its two-minute offense, I’m guarding every precious second. If I’m in my prevent defense, I constantly have the feeling that the electric clock operator has forgotten to do his job, because time appears to have stopped. With the game tied, we watch our favorite basketball team inbound the ball, race down the court and launch a desperation shot that hangs in the air for eternity. Will it go in, bounce off the rim or simply fall harmlessly to the floor? And who hasn’t headed out for work with plenty of time to spare only to see the highway turn into a parking lot because of an unexpected accident?

God’s Word has a great deal to say about time. We are told to invest our time wisely. We are also reminded that God determines the length of time we have on this earth. Ephesians 5:15-16 clearly tells us, “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” As Moses approached the final days of his life he prayed, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) Time can be one of our most valuable assets, but if we don’t have the proper perspective, we can use it foolishly. Here are some things about time I have learned. Life goes by quickly even if you live to be 100. God owns our time and we don’t know how much sand is in our hourglass. Don’t procrastinate, you may not get a second chance. And finally, how we use our time will reflect our priorities. We make time for the things that mean the most to us. How are you spending the one hundred and sixty-eight hours a week God has given you? Are you being a faithful steward of the time God has blessed you with or do you need to make a few adjustments?

Heavenly Father, make me a good steward of the time You have give me today. Help me to get my priorities in order and to make time for the things that have eternal value. Amen.