A Time For Every Purpose

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (KJV)

Besides looking at old family photos, I sometimes enjoy listening to the voices recorded on an old fashioned reel-to-reel tape player. These familiar voices of my past brought back many childhood memories I had since forgotten. I heard a six-year-old child singing, "On the Good Ship Lollipop" and it was hard to believe that that child was me. I listened to the sweet voice of my dear grandmother in her heavy German accent saying, "I love you." Also in the background were many voices celebrating a special family occasion. And for a moment captured in time, I also heard my dog Snowball barking with all the excitement of life.

Yet the years have come and gone, and many of my family members whose voices I hear on the tape recorder are now deceased. So I am intrigued by this mysterious concept we call time. A feeling of nostalgia and wonder grips my soul. Though not all memories were happy ones, they were indeed an important part of my life. But like most people, there are times I wish I could turn back the clock and have a second chance to do things differently. In any case, with the encouragement of today's Bible verse, I realize that no matter what regrets we may have, God has a plan for every season of our lives, and we must move forward trusting that all things work together for good according to His divine purpose.

Nevertheless, time is quietly slipping away. The past is gone forever; the future remains to be seen; but the present is what matters most. Therefore, I leave you to reflect upon the following passages of Scripture:

Psalm 90:4 – For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (KJV)

Psalm 118:24 – This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV)

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLT)

Now, may we cherish every precious moment by making the greatest use of our time for the glory of God.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, we acknowledge that our times are in Your hands. Remind us daily that our lives on this earth are like vapour, here one day and gone the next. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NIV) Let the hope of Your precious promises keep our minds focused on the things of eternal value. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

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