//Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ~Ephesians 5:15-17//
I often don’t think about the detrimental aspects of time. Yes, time, as in the hours in each day kind of time. I recently prayed asking God to help me use my time more wisely knowing that there has to be more than just spending it watching reruns of my favorite television series or perusing Instagram. The past few weeks I’ve felt busier than normal and been wondering where all of my time had been spent, wishing I had more of it.
As I prayed, God brought to mind how much time He actually has given me. He showed me that much of my time has been spent in the future. You ask “How can that be possible?” but as I began to search my thoughts it was true. God revealed that my mind is solely focused on thinking about, planning and executing ideas or To-Do lists for things that are in the future such as college choices, college applications and all that encompasses them, furthering my career, worrying about my bills that have yet to arrive, and constantly pondering whether I’ll end my legacy with becoming a crazy cat lady.
//"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new advantage point."
Not to say that all of these thoughts are never good to contemplate but to obsess over them almost every day is, in a way, sinful. Pause a moment and think about it. If all of your time in the present is being redirected to thinking about the future or even the past then you leave behind moments that God has planned for you now; Moments of joy, moments of lessons, moments of glorifying Him. You’re leaving behind times of rest, rebuilding or discovery. You become a thief of your own time.
I’ve been learning that I’m in a time of rest and building and that I need ‘time-checks’, where I stop what I’m doing or thinking to evaluate how I’ve been using my time. Future- focused and keeping busy with To-Do lists are certainly tasks that I get caught up in almost every day and it seems that I take part in these so that I can try to avoid dealing with something in the present that’s either painful or well, boring. Can you just imagine all the wonderful things that God has shown you each day but you were too busy looking back or gazing too far forward to even catch a glimpse? We miss out on too much when our minds and hearts are not focused on the right here, right now.
In the past few months, God has never left my side and has been with me through all situations helping me discover more about myself, about Him and His plans. When I actually follow through with keeping my mind and heart focused on the moments at hand instead of in the future He has revealed to me how big and powerful He really is. Throughout this leg of the journey I have experienced pure joy, true happiness, growth, pain, healing, set-backs, rebuilding, love, perfect peace and much needed rest.
[[Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:34]]
God tells us not to worry about tomorrow for today has enough troubles for itself. He’s right, you know. Becoming future-focused (as we all often do in today’s society) or stuck in the past is not where God is. God is here, now. God is working in your life right now and if you don’t change your view you might miss out on spectacular opportunities of growth. So, I encourage you to take time-checks and evaluate how wisely you’re spending your time. God has great things in store for you now, in the present but when you focus on the future or past you turn away from all of His great gifts and loving lessons.
Be present. Meditate on His Word. Look for Him in the now.
Peace & <3,
Samantha
Peace & <3,
Samantha