Time is one of the most precious things we have.
It moves forward without stopping, and once a moment is gone, we can never get it back.
Every person on earth is given the same 24 hours in a day, but how we use that time can make all the difference.
The Bible has a lot to say about time—how to use it wisely, how to understand God’s timing, and how to live with eternity in mind.
Whether we feel like time is slipping away too fast or we are waiting for something that seems to take forever, Scripture gives us wisdom on how to view time from God’s perspective.
God Created Time
Before anything existed, God was already there.
Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
This was the moment time as we know it began.
God is not limited by time like we are.
He exists outside of time, seeing the past, present, and future all at once.
Psalm 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
This means that while we experience time in a linear way—one moment after another—God sees it all at once.
This is why He knows what is best for us, even when we do not understand what is happening in our own lives.
Time Is a Gift from God
Every second we have is a gift from God.
James 4:14 reminds us, “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
This verse is a humbling reminder that life is short.
We do not have unlimited time on earth, so we should use the time we do have wisely.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Numbering our days does not mean counting them in fear—it means recognizing their value.
Every day is an opportunity to grow closer to God, help others, and live out His purpose for us.
God’s Timing Is Different from Ours
One of the hardest lessons in life is learning to trust God’s timing.
We live in a fast-paced world where we want things instantly.
But God does not work on our schedule.
2 Peter 3:8 says, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
What feels like a long time to us may only be a moment to God.
This is why waiting on Him can be difficult, but it is always worth it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
God has already planned every season of our lives.
Whether we are in a season of waiting, growth, or change, we can trust that His timing is perfect.
Using Our Time Wisely
Since time is a gift, the Bible encourages us to use it wisely.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
This means we should not waste our time on things that do not matter.
Instead, we should focus on things that bring us closer to God and help others.
Colossians 4:5 also tells us, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
This verse reminds us to use our time to be a light for Christ.
Every interaction, every decision, and every moment is an opportunity to show His love.
The Danger of Wasting Time
The Bible warns against wasting time on things that have no eternal value.
Proverbs 6:9-11 says, “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
This verse is not saying rest is bad, but it warns against laziness.
Time is too valuable to waste on things that do not matter.
Jesus also gave a warning in John 9:4: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
This means there will come a time when our opportunity to serve God on earth will be over.
We should take advantage of the time we have now to do what He has called us to do.
Living with Eternity in Mind
The Bible teaches that our time on earth is temporary, but eternity is forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This verse reminds us that we should not live just for today but for eternity.
Matthew 6:19-20 also teaches, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This means that instead of spending all our time chasing things that will not last—money, success, fame—we should focus on things that will last forever.
Loving God, serving others, and sharing the Gospel are things that have eternal value.
Trusting God with Our Future
Many people worry about the future—how much time they have left, what will happen next, or if they are on the right path.
But the Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow.
Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
God holds the future in His hands.
Instead of stressing about what will happen, we should trust Him one day at a time.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We can make plans, but ultimately, God is the one who directs our steps.
When we trust Him, we can rest knowing that our time is in His hands.
Making the Most of Every Moment
Life is short, and the Bible encourages us to live each moment with purpose.
Psalm 39:4 says, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”
This verse is not meant to scare us, but to remind us that life is precious.
Every moment is an opportunity to love God, love others, and make a difference.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Even when life feels routine or difficult, God is working in every season.
Every act of kindness, every prayer, and every step of faith matters.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that time is a gift from God, and how we use it matters.
God is in control of time, and His timing is always perfect.
We are called to use our time wisely, not wasting it on things that do not matter but investing in things that have eternal value.
Instead of worrying about the future, we should trust that God is leading us.
Every moment we have is an opportunity to serve Him, love others, and live with eternity in mind.
Time is passing quickly, but when we live for God, not a single moment is wasted.