When I was in high school, I remember having a very serious discussion with my dad about my grade in biology. At that point, I had a C-, a far from stellar performance. I remember dad saying, “If you put as much time on your biology as you do on getting ready and your hair in the morning you would have an A.” I had long hair which required a thousand brush rollers and I was very committed to looking my best which required a length of time getting ready in the morning. The following morning after my mini lesson on time management, he came in and began a daily routine, sitting on my bed, and reading to me from my assignment that week in biology. I was so blessed to see his love and desire for me to do well in school in a very clear demonstration of the importance of time management and setting priorities.
The next report card my biology grade improved to C+ and I continued to learn in all my classes what it meant to use my time wisely. This was the beginning of God’s lessons for me on the use of my time. This lesson has been invaluable, as my life grew more complicated and busy in college, nursing school, work, and marriage and raising children. I found my lists of daily activities grew longer and more challenging.
Over time, I realized that if I didn’t read my Bible and spend time in prayer in the morning the day would come to an end without finding time to have my time with the Lord. The time of day that you settle on will depend on your analysis of the time you are given each day. As David Jeremiah explained in All Days Numbered, “time is one of the three primary areas we have been given stewardship over– the other two being talent (our natural and spiritual gifts and abilities) and treasure (the material resources for which we are responsible).” Remember what Moses said in Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” It is critical to have a set time not one that changes each day like a moving target.
The world is full of things that will distract and take up your time but don’t miss out on what God wants to show you the plans he has for you, to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. How do you find out these plans, hopes and the future He has for you?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart”
(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV).
This verse maps it out for us. God wants us to call on Him, pray and communicate about everything that is on our heart. Go to Him and He will listen to you. Seek Him with all your heart, search for Him in the Word of God. Moreover, the promise is you will find Him.
Dear Holy Father, you are my Lord, I am so loved. Protect the time I have set aside for prayer and Bible study each day. Teach me through your Word and guide me; reveal to me your perfect plans for my life. Thank you for your Word. You have given me everything I need for a godly life through the knowledge of you and Jesus our Lord. Help me to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:2-2, 3:18)
I pray this in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
