The Challenge of Time in Challenging Times

                                                                 Psalm 90: 10-17
 
                 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
                                                                     Psalm 90: 12
 
     Today, dependent on who we are and our roles in life, we may find ourselves with time on our hands or indeed be more pressed for time than ever. Our world and foundations are being shaken and we will be asking ourselves, “What are we supposed to do?” If I was still a Police Officer I know that we would be dealing with the here and now but also planning for the future and the different difficulties that will arise in society with the impact of COVID 19. As individuals we will, I am certain, have worries about these times and will be trying to work out how to respond, how to help.
 
     Our Psalm today reminds us that our lives are a real mixed bag; the length of them, their joys and troubles. Problems in life are not unusual they happen; but at times like now they can be very extreme. If we worry and fear in an oppressive way we have two problems; the matter itself and our anxieties. If we have the right foundation and lifeline (as we have recently thought about) we can turn and face the issue and respond well; difficulties can, in God’s grace, turn into blessings.
 
         Our Psalm teaches us that the matter we should really fear is separation from God. We are reminded of God’s unfailing love and His Sovereignty, rule, over everything. We are encouraged to call on Him, trust Him and ask for His wisdom on how to use our time aright. God is bringing and will bring good out of this situation. On Wednesday we will consider how He is doing this and how we can respond. Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” More importantly Jesus has words of wisdom and encouragement over what to fear, how to trust and how to use our time (Matthew 6: 25-34 & 10: 26-31). So for now let us call on Him, trust Him and listen for His wise council and direction.
 
To Ponder: How is God calling me to act now and plan for the future; what good do I see and foresee in and from this time? (Apparently there are 365 promises from God against fear in His Word…one for each day !)
 
Prayer: Lord we do not know how long this will last so please bless us with your compassion. Give us your wisdom to use this time aright. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love so that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Help us and give us joy in the bad times as well as the good. May we see you in action, may you give us success in all we do and may your blessings be with us. Amen                         Based on Psalm 90: 13-17
 
Praise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnWKehsOXu8