Redeeming The Time

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep – so shall your poverty come on you like a robber, and your need like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10-11

After having worked at a full time job all my adult life and finally cutting back to part time work, I was so looking forward to spending my precious time being fruitful in different ways – visiting people who can’t get out much anymore, spending time with a lonely friend, and enjoying doing things with my husband in our “golden years” before our physical bodies completely fall apart! Things that were important, but I never seemed to have enough time for.

At first I was like a fish out of water, not sure just how to use this time “productively,” at times even feeling guilty for being off the “hamster wheel.” But eventually I gave myself time to read a book or two, and then somehow got “hooked” on a couple of solitary card games on my Kindle (free downloads, of course).

These games are not bad in themselves, but they need to be used in moderation. It is kind of like sugar or dessert; those “tasty little morsels” take away my desire for real food (the Word). They leave me craving more, but they never satisfy. Those empty calories do me no good nutritionally, and they kill my appetite for what is good and healthy for me. That’s why we should eat dessert last. I need to “with joy, draw water from the wells of salvation” FIRST (Isaiah 12:3), then I can allow myself to enjoy a little “dessert,” some down time or recreation.

Ephesians 5:14-17 tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil.

When I spend time with Him in His Word, He will give me my marching orders. It may be a season of enjoying time with Him, but when He says “Move!” or “Go!” I want to be ready to act on it. I don’t want to have the mindset – “Just one more game first!”

Lord, I can see how spiritual poverty can come on me like a thief, and rob me of the precious time that You have given to me. Help me to redeem the time I have here on this earth. I know that being “hooked” on anything that is not of You is idolatry, and I confess it as sin and repent of it. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness and for letting me see my need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.