In the Zone of Time

A few weeks ago, we went to New Mexico for a quick adventure at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  As we crossed into the Land of Enchantment, we changed time zones. Central time or Mountain time, knowing the correct time is sometimes necessary, even when you are on a tiny adventure.

Time zones became a thing because of the railroads.  As people traveled via rail, they had to reset their watch according to the local (solar) time of that city.  It became a scheduling mess for the American and Canadian railroads as they tried to organize their timetables.  So, Sir Sandford Fleming advocated dividingthe world into 24 times zones, beginning at Greenwich Meridian in London, and this system of standard time was adopted worldwide and is still in use today

When David writes about time in Psalm 31, he says,

But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant;  save me in your unfailing love.

                                                               Psalm 31:14-16

David penned these words during difficult days.  He discusses taking refuge, asking God to save him from his enemy, and declaring that God is his rock and his fortress.   Tucked away in the middle of the psalm are words about trusting, delivering, saving. Then he declares: my times are in your hands.

We go through so much of our life wishing we had just a few more hours in our day.  Time flies when we are having fun, and it drags when things are difficult.  But, no matter how your 24 hours are added up, are they lived by placing your time in God’s hands?

This is something that is easy to say and hard to do.  Yes, sometimes I put my time in God’s hands.  But sometimes, I want to do it myself.  As you continue to read Psalm 31, you see a servant that has done things his way and now confidently commits himself to his Lord.

In the New Testament, Paul writes his thoughts on what our time should look like:

 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

                                                       Ephesians 5:15-17

Walk carefully, be wise, make good use of your days, know what is the will of the Lord. Most importantly – put your times in the hands of our God.  And He will guide your path through all time zones and all of eternity.

Thank you O Lord,

   for being my rock and my fortress; for redeeming me and being gracious to me.  When I have joy or when I have sorrow, help me to place my life and my times into your hands and save me in your steadfast love.  Help me to walk in the pathways of righteousness: being wise, obedient, and faithful to you all of my days.           Amen.