Doing Time

Doing Time
by Sherri Bergmann

The summer solstice marks the first day of summer on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 5:14 A.M. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the longest day with the most sunlight hours of the year.

How God has created time is incredible. He makes the sun and the moon rise and set to govern the passing of a day, and created months and seasons to remind us of when to plant and harvest, and to determine the length of a year. He gave all living creatures a set time to live. We’re reminded that our years are limited as we age, and are aware that we can die at any time.

The expression said about someone, “He has too much time on his hands,” begs the important question of what we do with what we all have – time.

Even though the writer of Ecclesiastes questioned if everything we do is all in vain, the author was sure of two things: that God is in control, and we are to enjoy what He’s given us. With these certainties, here are six ways to ensure your life is not spent in vain and how to make the most of your life.

1. What occupies all of our time when we are awake is thinking. The moment we open our eyes we are processing what we see. When we sleep, our thoughts rests as our mind and body rests. Some people dream and sleep well, some toss and turn, and others have nightmares. This is often dependent on what we think and do while we’re awake.

What we think influences our perceptions of everything and how we respond. A survey two Harvard psychologists conducted revealed people spend about half of their waking time (46.9 %) thinking about something other than what they’re doing, and that their thoughts make them unhappy1.

Our culture breeds toxic information that degrades our minds resulting in increased cases of depression, drug usage, violence and suicides. Unhealthy thoughts trigger a chain of negative actions and reactions. However, since our lives are dominated by our thoughts and emotions, if we have a Christ-centered focus to love God first and love others, with Christ inside of us we will produce a positive impact on those around us and instill order and peace.

Christ wants to help protect our minds from the poisonous influence of the world that affects our thinking and causes us to decay and die inside, and let Him rule in our hearts and mind so that we can have life, and have it abundantly, as He said he came to do.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

How do we change our thinking to make this happen?

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Also: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Take every thought captive. Once something negative creeps in your mind, take a hold of it and flip it to what Christ said that promotes love, peace, harmony, and the truth. What the world says distorts what is true and gives you a lie. Memorize verses so that you will remember one at the right time. His Words will keep you in a positive frame of mind, His commands keep you out of trouble, and His Spirit will give you inner peace and joy. What you think will permeate throughout your body and pour out in action.

How we spend one minute thinking can change the course of our day, and even our life, as well as someone else’s.

2. Forgive and make amends. Once a minute is passed, we can’t take it back. If we regret what we did, we can try to correct our error and change the course for the better by following Christ. It may seem awkward to take the first step forward to reconcile and make amends, but the benefits outweigh the cost of the consequences.

If someone has wronged you, forgive them. That’s a command from God. The Bible has a lot to say about forgiving, making amends and pursuing peace. Harboring resentment keeps us entrapped in bitterness. Some carry their resentment to their grave. Resentment is a huge dead weight that can be removed to live life freer and fuller.

3. Make time to spend time with God. He cherishes that time you spend alone to bond with Him. He really values communicating with you. Prayer is mentioned throughout the Bible because He wants to have a relationship with you. You will feel more peaceful, empowered and emboldened.

4. Use the gifts and talents He gave you. He gave you special gifts unique to YOU. That is where you will succeed. That is where you will naturally be happier.

5. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2. Your thoughts centered on His glory will help you to place things in the proper perspectives, and guide your actions.
 
6. Make your days matter. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. Realize you may not be here tomorrow.

We know that we have 24 hours in a day. Pray that God will help you make the most of each day that he gives you.