2012 – THE GIFT OF A NEW YEAR! Cherish it!

As I look at my calendar, not the Mayan Calendar, I have optimistic expectations about what the “Father of Eternity” has in store for us this year!

Time is a gift from God to man; therefore, we must not waste it. Moses writes in a prayer to God: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NLT). Paul exhorts the believers in Ephesus: “Make the most of your time, for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).  Here, the apostle reminds us we live in a sin-sick world.

The very best use of any day is to spend time with Almighty God. In the current frenetically-paced, hyper-speed culture we live in, it is absolutely essential that we daily remove ourselves from it. Your heart was meant to beat with God’s heart, not the arrhythmic, congested, clot-prone heart of American life! In Psalm 46:10 the Lord says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When was the last time you were truly still? I’m not talking about “forced” stillness through sickness but chosen stillness. This meditative, reflective time with the Almighty is Great-Physician recommended therapy! David wrote of God: “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). Again David sings: “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7). If you expect quick “sound bites” with God – you may be gone before He shows up! It is possible that the “get it now” generation may find it difficult to relate to a God who would rather talk than text!

Slow the Pace!

We must figure out a way to slow the pace enough to meet God on His terms. We tend to be more in a hurry than He is. The demands of every day have a way of sucking the life out of time with the author of both life and time! To do things differently this year probably requires breaking bad habits and starting new ones.

Harness the Energy!

The devil loves speed and noise, Facebook, Twitter, iPods, and video games – He is the Master Distracter and he loves anything that will keep us from serious time with his Arch Rival! Who of us is good at keeping modern technology from running and ruining our lives? Sure, we can harness the power of modern innovation for God’s glory and our good. However, like nuclear energy, both good and evil are possible outcomes of its use.

Prepare a Plan!

Plan regular times to be still before God this year. Cozy up to God’s Word like a child in its Father’s loving arms! I promise that you will not regret it. In fact, if you choose to discipline yourself to get alone with the Prince of Peace, and blessed Supplier of all your deepest needs, you can be assured of the most heart-healthy, Christ-honoring year you have ever had. If we cherish the gift of time, we will make the best use of it.

John Wallace Miller