Recently, a friend and I recalled just how fast time seems to be flying by lately. One moment, it is Monday, and the next, the weekend is upon us. It is as if every day moves faster than the previous one. Can you relate? The truth is that time is fleeting. Each moment we have is a gift from God and must be treated as the gift that it is. Because our time is precious, we must make the most of every second that we have, focusing on and prioritizing what matters most: God and His kingdom.
David understood that his life was short, and as a result, he made efforts to make the most of the time that God gave him while he was on Earth. He wrote in Psalm 39, “I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me” (verse 1). David was expressing in this verse the importance of not allowing things in his life, specifically sin, that did not belong in light of the short amount of time each one of us has on this Earth. He continued several verses later, saying, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on Earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is” (verse 4). David wanted God to help him remember that his life was short and his days were numbered, so that he could make the most of each one of his moments on Earth. He knew that understanding the brevity of his life would help Him live in a way that honored God because he had no time to waste.
Like David, you and I have no time to waste. We not only have to live intentionally, but we also have to be careful to let go of anything holding us back from Christ. When we say "yes" to Christ, we also say "no" to other things, including sin and the things that are not of Him. Following Christ means letting go of the things, even good things, that lead us away from Him for something far, far greater: a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Memorize Psalm 39:4 and bring it to mind often. As you think about this verse, let it be a reminder to you that our time on Earth is so short, and let it challenge you to make the very most of the precious time God gives you every day.
1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me.”
2 But as I stood there in silence—
not even speaking of good things—
the turmoil within me grew worse.
3 The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.
