Time is God's gift for you

Each day is a gift made just for you. It is from the heart of God. If I empty my burdens and give them to God in my nightly prayers I awaken with a brand new day filled with wonders. “This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!” (Proverbs 118:24 NCV) If I am not happy today because I’m weighted down with problems, how could I be happy tomorrow?

I heard of a woman who decided to allow a “worry time” in her daily schedule. She allotted 20 minutes a day for worrying, not a minute more and not a minute less. She soon found out her worrying time slipped away as she began to think of all the blessings in her life. She turned her worrying time into “praising” time, thanking God for his goodness.

How I use my gift of time is up to me. My gift of time is limited and I must use it now or it will be forever lost. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 KJV).

Time cannot be reclaimed and leaves no room for remorse or regrets. Harsh words, malice and strife are stolen by the thief of time. Brooding over past mistakes wastes the time I have been given today. Pointing out others’ failures and bringing up the past replaces today’s time with the idol of self-pity, filling my day with bitterness, cynicism and complaining.

I find God’s gift of time is a treasure box of jewels. They are precious stones that can make today memorable.

Someone may say, “But life is a series of obstacles, hurdles and problems to overcome. How can I make the best of my time with so many trials in my life?” I hear you. I have been there and I say, “Make Jesus your anchor in life. Study and meditate on his Word.”

By anchoring to Jesus, you grow strong roots, anchored to the solid rock. This anchor will sustain you when storm clouds come and the wind of trouble sways you to and fro. If Jesus is Lord of your life, you will weather those storms. You will be able to say, “Blow storm blow! Give it your best shot because when you have passed I will still be standing.”

Have you ever noticed an old gnarled tree that has been battered by the elements? The “storms of life” have made it beautiful. No matter how dark the night … no matter how bleak the circumstances … no matter how dismal the future … keep going. Keep hoping, even when there seems to be no hope. Believe for the best anyway. Keep holding on.

Keep praising and thanking God for today, even amidst the crisis. Victory is just a breath away. There will be joy in the morning. Pray for others. Everyone has problems. Give away God’s diamonds of time by making the day sparkle for some weary soul. Give a gift of time to a bereaving family. Write an encouraging letter or note. God’s diamonds glow to the words “I love you!”

God’s treasure box of time is to be used today. Psalm 112:6-7 reveals the results of time well used:

“Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.” (TLB)

Open your gift of time from God today. It is a treasure box of gold. Giving that gold away will make you a millionaire on earth and in heaven.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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