Intentional living and using time wisely walk along together. We don’t have one without the other!
Be Time Conscious
Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses. Thus, it could be 3,500 years old!
More specifically, Psalm 90.12 emphasizes time awareness. It says “So teach us to number our days…”
How do we “number our days”? By focusing our attention on the time we have.
In short, recognize the critical value of our time.
When we’re conscious of using time wisely, we’re – in turn – living intentionally.
Actually, this precept repeats in Ephesians 5.15-16 where we read “Be wise…redeem the time…”
In short, be wise, not foolish, in our lifestyle, Ephesians 5.15.
Here, we’re encouraged to be wise and careful in our approach to life. How? By making good use of time, Ephesians 5.16.
Wake up! Behave wisely. Make good use of your time. Do God’s will! Ephesians 5.14-17 paraphrase proverbsforprofessionals.net
To What End
Psalm 90.12 answers the “To what end?” question.
It says that we should focus on “applying our hearts to wisdom.”
In other words, focus on our own character development – apply your hearts to wisdom.
Teach me to number my days so I can become wise hearted. Psalm 90.12 paraphrase proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Prerequisite Is?
The opening phrase of our key verse is “So teach us…” Therefore, be a learner.
If I’m not willing to learn, if I’m not teachable, there’s no growth.
As a result of not growing, I’m stuck right where I am. Meaning – no personal, spiritual, or professional development in my life!
Time management involves habit change. However, buying back time involves character change! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
This prayer isn’t simply a call to better time management so we’re best positioned to make life decisions.
Instead, we’re asked to carefully consider our actions based on God’s revealed will for us.
In part, fulfillment is knowing my God-given life purpose, then pursuing that purpose. As such, life purpose should drive me toward careful use of my time.