Own the Time Wisely
Time is an elusive element of our lives. In moments of desperation, it feels eternal—dragging on with a heaviness that makes each second feel like a weight pressing down. Yet in moments of joy and celebration, time slips through our fingers like water, moving so quickly that it leaves us longing for more. Why is it that we can’t control this strange flow? Why do the things we want to push away linger, while the moments we want to hold vanish so swiftly?
The answer may lie in how we choose to inhabit each moment. Often, in our hardships, we dwell on the painful details, dissecting each one. We relive past hurts, replaying them again and again, examining what went wrong and imagining ways it could have been different. We become trapped in cycles of regret, anger, or sadness, causing time to expand around us, stretching our suffering.
But joy—joy is different. In joy, we open ourselves completely, without analyzing or grasping. We simply are, present in the fullness of the moment, letting joy wash over us like a breeze or fill us like sunlight. We don’t pick it apart; we don’t overthink it. We let it be, and because of this openness, it feels fleeting, like it’s passed in an instant.
But does joy truly have to be fleeting? Or is there a way to hold it in our hearts, so it doesn’t disappear as soon as the moment ends? The apostle Paul provides a timeless answer in his letter to the Philippians: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Paul’s words encourage us to make a habit of dwelling on what is beautiful, true, and good. By training our minds to reflect on life’s blessings—no matter how small—we can extend the presence of joy in our lives. In doing so, we allow positive memories, gratitude, and peace to linger, just as naturally as we allow sorrow and frustration to linger. In fact, when we focus on what is praiseworthy, time itself seems to stand still, as if inviting us to savor each blessing fully.
Owning time wisely, then, means cultivating awareness. It means deliberately choosing to hold onto the things that uplift us, learning to let go of what weighs us down. It means seeking the beauty in each day and allowing it to fill our hearts so that even in the rush and busyness of life, we carry a sense of peace.
When we face hardship, we can gently release the inclination to relive and deconstruct it, trusting that God has already seen us through. And when we encounter joy, we can embrace it, savoring the sweetness and letting it become a lasting imprint in our minds and souls. This is the gift of mindful, intentional living—a way of experiencing time not as something that controls us but as a precious gift we are entrusted to steward with wisdom and grace.
By focusing on what is pure and lovely, we can make peace and joy our companions, letting them illuminate our path through each season of life.
To Master Time, you must Understand Time
Time Feels Uncontrollable – Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Development:
This verse acknowledges that time has a rhythm set by God, one that includes moments we cherish and others we wish would pass. Recognizing that all things have their season can help us accept the transience of both joy and sorrow. Instead of fighting the passage of time, we can find peace in knowing that each season has a purpose. This acceptance allows us to live more fully, understanding that God controls the flow of time, even when we feel we can’t.
- The Lingering Nature of Negative Moments – 2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Development:
Negative moments and thoughts often feel overwhelming because we unconsciously replay them in our minds, dissecting and reliving them. This verse reminds us that we have the power to take control of our thoughts. By bringing our worries and anxieties under Christ’s authority, we prevent negative thoughts from controlling our perceptions of time. Practicing this can help us to cut short the lingering impact of hurtful experiences and free ourselves to focus on peace and growth.
- Embracing Fleeting Joy – James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Development:
Joyful moments may feel fleeting, but they are gifts from God, given for us to savor and appreciate. This verse reminds us to view moments of happiness as divine blessings that reveal God’s character and love. Instead of trying to hold onto them tightly, we can experience them with gratitude, knowing that God, who provides these moments, is constant and faithful. This approach can help us cherish moments of joy without fearing their end.
- Reliving Good Moments – Psalm 77:11-12
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Development:
Just as negative moments can replay in our minds, we can also choose to reflect on God’s goodness and past blessings. This Psalm encourages us to actively remember and meditate on the positive things God has done. By intentionally reliving our joyful experiences and God’s faithfulness, we reinforce our sense of peace and gratitude. Practicing gratitude and reflection helps us realize that good memories can linger, providing lasting comfort and strength.
- Focusing on What is Good – Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Development:
Paul’s words offer a guide to managing our thoughts by focusing on the good, noble, and pure. By choosing to meditate on positive aspects of life—truth, beauty, justice—we allow joy and peace to grow in our hearts, even in challenging times. This verse teaches us that the way we direct our thoughts profoundly affects how we experience time. By centering our minds on what is praiseworthy, we cultivate a sense of lasting joy that endures beyond fleeting moments.
Synthesis of Reflection
Time is elusive, often slipping through our hands when we long to hold onto it, yet dragging when we face hardship. The Bible offers wisdom to help us navigate this paradox, teaching us to accept the seasons of life (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and to control our thoughts by aligning them with Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Joyful moments, though brief, are divine gifts (James 1:17), and by remembering God’s goodness (Psalm 77:11-12), we can allow positive experiences to resonate within us. Finally, Philippians 4:8 calls us to focus on what is true and praiseworthy, helping us cultivate peace regardless of life’s changing pace.
In sum, these verses remind us that while time itself may be beyond our control, how we experience it is deeply influenced by where we set our focus. When we let God shape our thoughts, we can embrace each moment with wisdom, peace, and gratitude.