The Daily Devotional
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Redeeming the Time
So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. (Psalm 90:12)
Introduction
Time is one of the most precious gifts God has given us, yet it is also one of the most fleeting. The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 90:12 is a heartfelt reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of using each day wisely. It calls us to live intentionally, with a perspective rooted in eternity rather than the temporary.
Reflection
A man once visited an antique clock shop filled with ticking, chiming, and softly humming timepieces. Among the collection was an hourglass, its sand slowly trickling down. He paused to watch it, mesmerized by the grain-by-grain passage of time. It struck him that every moment, though seemingly insignificant, was part of a grand story—the story of his life.
Like the hourglass, our days are numbered, and the sand of time slips through our fingers. In the New Testament, Paul echoes this sentiment: “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16). This wisdom invites us to examine how we spend our days. Are we consumed with busyness that leaves little room for God? Or are we intentionally investing our time in what truly matters—relationships, service, and drawing closer to our Creator?
Time’s fleeting nature doesn’t mean we should despair; instead, it should inspire us to steward our days with purpose. As the ticking clock reminds us of life's brevity, let it also encourage us to align our priorities with God’s will, ensuring that we live in a way that glorifies Him.
Application
Consider the rhythms of your day. Are there moments you could dedicate to prayer, scripture, or serving others? Perhaps instead of scrolling through social media, you can call a loved one, offer a helping hand to a neighbor, or meditate on God's Word.
Create a simple plan: at the beginning of each day, ask God to guide your time. Then, at the day’s end, reflect on how you spent it. Did your actions reflect eternal priorities? By taking small but intentional steps, you can learn to redeem the time.
Conclusion
Life’s brevity is not a cause for fear but an invitation to live deeply and meaningfully. By numbering our days and focusing on God’s purposes, we gain the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges with hope and grace. Like the hourglass in the clock shop, each moment matters, and each day is an opportunity to live in the fullness of God’s grace and love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of time. Teach us to number our days so we may gain wisdom and live intentionally for You. Help us to prioritize what truly matters and to use every moment to reflect Your love and grace. When we are tempted to waste time on things that do not glorify You, draw our hearts back to Your eternal purposes. May we live each day with a sense of gratitude and purpose, knowing our days are in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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