God values my time

 

Chapter 4: Time Is Not Your Own

You might be beginning to think, "if there's a struggle, than it must be an area I need to surrender." God has given everyone equally 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week; one in which he tells us to take as a sabbath.  And yet, we will hear, or might say ourselves, "but I....

• need more sleep
• have to work more hours
• don't get enough time with my kids
• I'm running all over the place and don't have time to fellowship with others/invest in godly relationships
• don't have time for date nights...
• after all of that, I don't have much time for personal devotionals."

You can add to the list.  If you are grudgingly giving your time, ask God about what you're giving it to.  It may not be the person that's asking that needs to hear no, it might be something else you thought you needed to prioritize, or didn't even realize how much time it was sucking up.  Ask God for wisdom in your time management; "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12.  For, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5.  If you continue to read, there is a warning, to ask expectantly, open and ready to receive and respond to the wisdom God imparts, and not distracted by perceived circumstances.  God's got you, He knows exactly what He's given you and what you're capable of with His strength. 

How we use our time reveals who we serve.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16

To my quick list, here are some considerations I've brought before the Lord and been convicted of:

• I need more sleep -- am I eating and exercising my body so I can have the best energy, and avoiding sugars and caffeine, which can mess up my sleep cycle and are signs that I'm depending on a different sustainment then what He's given me.  Taking care of myself by eating "clean", exercising, and getting good sleep means I am more alert and ready to do what God brings to my attention.
• I have to work more hours -- am I doing what God's called me to do, or have I gotten stuck on the lie that what I'm doing is all I can do?  Sometimes we get stuck on "I'm not qualified enough to make more money a different way, so I have to work overtime."  Does that sound like something God wants you to believe?  Ask Him what He wants you to do with your time, to supply for your every need, and let him guide you.  Every closed door means you're a step closer to an open one.  If you're doing what God's called you to, you'll have better energy to excel and climb that ladder.  Also, consider what you're spending your money on- maybe you've agreed to too many things or aren't actually being a good steward of what you're given.  Lots of little things can suck up our money.  Don't just focus on what you're doing for others, but consider where you're treating yourself.  Find free and cheaper ways to "award".
• I don't get enough time with my kids -- am I making the best of the time I have with my kids?  Join them in what they enjoy doing.  Cut off the time suckers: screen time and  arguing over chores and other shenanigans.  Invite them to help you and talk through whatever you're doing together.  Sometimes I am so focused on what I'm doing or thinking about what's next I miss those great opportunities to talk.  Or I just don't know what to talk about.  Try, "is there anything you want to talk about?  Anything that's been hard or maybe extra special to you?"  We do all like to talk and be heard, and that can make for better bonding, more ideas on what to do together, and a better understanding of each other.  Don't make talking times only for lectures- you'll be drained!
• I'm running all over the place and don't have time to... spend with others in fellowship -- Are you running for the best things, or.... are you running to the store every time you think of something you need instead of making one run a week?  ...are you saying yes to activities you  or the kids don't even enjoy? ... have you committed yourself to something without asking God, or are you holding yourself to a "never miss" when grace is given for absences?  If it's important to you, you'll make time for it.  Try combining good things:  A walk with a friend so you're getting your exercise and meeting up, getting a task done together, or sharing a meal together: it's okay to put a time constraint on a meet up, and to say "let's picnic, or potluck" so that you're not just sabotaging the aforementioned money constraint.
• I don't have time for date nights...  again, it doesn't have to be "glorious", just intimate.  Eyes need time to meet and hearts need time to share.  Do something that is free or cheap that makes you both laugh.  Meet while kids are at school on a lunch break or get breakfast together after they leave.  Or go sit on the porch after they've gone to bed.  You probably stayed up all hours talking while you were dating:  you can still spare a little sleep for him.
• Devotional time is the most important time.  Spending time with God changes everything else.  It's kind of like putting on a thermostat that regulates what ever else may come around.  Maybe going to bed a little earlier so you can get up a little earlier is the right answer.  Maybe it's taking a lunch break 3 days a week in a place you can spend 30 minutes with the Lord.  Maybe it's another way for you.  Ask God to reveal the space you need to give Him.  For me, it has become increasingly important to get up early, and my morning hour is spent in the word and devotional writing. I suggest you find a time where you are not normally going to get interrupted and can guard it. Intermittent fasting has relieved the "I have to eat before the day starts" thinking, and I can just think clearly, spend time with God, and start my day without interruption or tasks.  Usually I don't eat until lunch and I've gotten 6-7 hours of productivity in, including time with God, a good workout, and greeting my kids in the morning.  Starting before everyone else equals a head start without competition for me!