Redeeming Time
Wisely making the most of the time one has
- Psalm 90:12 begins with asking God to teach us to or in some literal translations to let us know to number our days. The good results for this will be that we can present - other translations have enter or develop - a heart of wisdom. So it appears a better depth of wisdom for living can result from realizing the time we have whether it's considering how little we have or how best to use it.
- The passage Ephesians 5:15-17 starts with telling us to be careful to keep our walk wise and not unwise. Then vs 16 tells us to redeem the time, or in some versions make the most of opportunities, finishing with saying that we should because the days are evil or times are difficult, etc. The verse following this says to not be foolish but to know what the will of the Lord is. This last part indicates to me that knowing what the will of the Lord is isn't some complicated mystical knowledge, but perhaps as straightforward as reading and studying God's word so that only a person being (purposely?) foolish would miss it. This would make sense with the first verse in that we can be able to know how to walk wise. I think in order to make the most of our opportunities - or redeem our time, we have to realize 'the days are evil' and so be motivated to take on those opportunities without delay.
- Colossians 4:5 adds an important dimension to redeeming our time. While we do all first to God, generally or often at least that means doing for others. So if we are not starting out conducting ourselves wisely with others - acting with love towards them, etc - then we may cancel out any good witness it may be for God or whatever it is being wanted or used by the others. Whereas if we are maintaining the right treatment of others, making the most of our opportunities can be a witness to them as well as hopefully something that can benefit somehow. Notably the verse after this tells us to maintain gracious speech with others.
Graditudinal Adjustment
Going from negativity to appreciation
- Psalms 95:2 and 100:4 indicate that our approach to God should be with thanksgiving along with of course supplication for the matter at hand, adoration, praise, etc. But rather than focus only on what's wrong we should be carrying with us gratitude for what God has done for us - which may include those difficulties which makes us stronger or able to see a reality more clearly.
- Philippians 4:6 is another verse that reminds us to include thankfulness in our approach to God. In this case it is part of taking something to God rather than worrying about it. The verse that follows this promises that in this way our hearts and minds can be guarded from anxiety by a peace from God.
- I Timothy 4:4 comes back to the point that we should maintain our thankfulness for everything that comes from God, even if it may not seem good at a particular time. Our experiences at actual times of exercise, training, even learning often seems painful or mindnumbing when going through it. But these things can leave us in better condition for what we deal with later and to endure better.
Realizing Blessings
Awareness of blessings available and applying them
- Others!(?!) I know starting a list about blessings with those pesky others may seem strange to some. But God's word indicates in some places that we are to engage with them, even work with them! Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 gives some positives to having someone on your side in a given endeavor rather than going it alone - in a variety of contexts. Hebrews 10:25 implores us not only to not neglect the blessing of fellowship but even to proactively encourage others to it.
- Backing our plays! For a couple of these verses, it's sometimes said they are taken out of context either having been directed at the Israelites in the past or specific to what is in God's will. But at least for purposes here, they were words for God's people, so messages we can still apply if what we're aiming at is also in God's will. Jeremiah 29:11 lets us know God looks out for our future and hopes. Malachi 3:10 invites us to see how God provides. Romans 8:28 lets us know God will work things out for the best as long as we're aligned with His purposes. II Corinthians 9:8 promises God will provide the grace we need for every good work. I John 5:14-15 allows us the confidence for whatever we pray for in His will.
- Do-overs! or Hit the Refresh! Lamentations 3:22-23 describes for us the brand new mercies available to us on a regular basis, without fail. Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us we have one who not only forgives but can understand how we screwed up so can forgive us with understanding and empathy. I John 1:9 as those believing for any time can attest, when (not if) we screw up we can always return to God with genuine confession and repentance to receive forgiveness and cleansing anew.
- Call-outs! These are just a couple of examples of how being called out by God to do things is a great blessing to make the most of! Romans 12:1-2 urges us to give body and mind sacrificially, but in order to transform and renew! Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run our race better by letting go of our dead weight and focusing our vision to the joy ahead.