We are now over a week into the new year. It’s hard to believe it’s 2022. Time does fly by. This is why the psalmist prays, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). The songwriter realizes that sin has made our days few in this life. Therefore, we ought to be prudent in how we use them.
The old saying is mostly true, “what we genuinely care about we make time for.” I say mostly true because it takes discipline to be intentional with our time. A well-cared-for schedule is an act of love, but one that is made possible through having the discipline to learn and exercise the executive skills necessary to manage our time. If we don’t manage our time, it will manage us. This is why the psalmists sought the Lord’s wisdom. He knew his weakness and failings and, as a result, asked the Lord for His divine guidance.
The good news is that such wisdom is ours for the asking. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). So if you are not sure what to do, ask God. James is a book offering a significant amount of practical instruction, and it begins by telling us to pray for spiritual insight. It’s clear from this verse that God is generous in His willingness to answer a prayer for wisdom.
When I see a graveyard, I often wonder how many good intentions are buried there as well. Good intentions don’t get the job done. They’re a good start, but they don’t finish the deal. Once we pray for God’s wisdom on how we ought to use our time, we should also ask for the ability to follow His Spirit’s leading. Wisdom does not just know what to do but wisely does it.
Paul writes, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). After we have committed ourselves to follow Christ by living by the Spirit, we should also let the Spirit direct the way we live. Thus we “keep in step with the Spirit.” The actual word picture presented to us is that of following in His footsteps, like those left in the sand on a beach or in the snow. You choose which seasonal or destination you prefer in the imagery. We are to put our feet in the footprints of the Spirit. In other words, He is leading, and we do the following.
So, we are to be wise in how we use our days. Good intentions are not enough. We need to acquire and exercise the executive skills required to manage our life well. We can do this by asking and receiving wisdom from God. Then, as followers of Christ, we are empowered to follow His Spirit’s lead in our comings and goings.
Again, let me remind us that we are just over a week into the new year. 2022 has arrived. Don’t let time pass you by. Let each of us number our days and live them wisely. God desires to fill our lives with spiritual blessings so that we can bless others. We are privileged to partner with Him as kingdom builders as we pray, “Lord, Your, kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I pray this year finds you glorifying God, being blessed, and blessing others in your home, neighborhood, school, workplace, and throughout the world in which we live.
There is a Japanese proverb that says, “Yesterday is a cashed check, tomorrow a promissory note, today is the only cash you have, spend it wisely.” I hope 2022 finds us all seeking God’s wisdom and following His Spirit’s lead as we live our lives for His glory, our blessing, and the benefit of others. Sol Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!