Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-not as unwise people but as wise-making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:15-17 HCSB

I’ve told you many times that I am not the sharpest tool in the shed and it sometimes takes a while for me to get it. But one thing I have come to understand in the last few weeks is that God has blessed us with time. I’m sure that most of you know what I mean. We live in such a fast paced world that time is something that most of us feel we never have enough of. I had thought that when I retired that I would have all this time on my hands, but it just hasn’t worked out that way. First I had a little niece that was born and almost died three weeks later. There for a while I needed to help with her. Shortly after that I took a temporary job, but after a few months I had to quit that job to take care of my father who was dying of kidney failure. After my dad died, my mom went through a severe depression and then was diagnosed with dementia. Our family went through a court battle, our church went through a division and all of these things took up most of my time. I know that most of you reading this are probably nodding your heads because you have been through similar things. But my how this whole virus has changed things. I am spending a lot more time at home. With restaurants closed I am no longer meeting friends for lunch. The bank is drive-thru. I use Walmart pickup and our church will even be drive-in service this Sunday.

I have noticed that I have a lot more time at home and on my hands. This has allowed me to clean out my junk room. It has allowed me to clean out my mom’s house to make it ready for new tenants. It has allowed me to do some much needed yard work. It has allowed me to spend more time exercising which is good because I spend more time eating if I don’t keep moving.

People have been talking about investments. By going out eating less and shopping less we have more money. Some people are saying that now is a good time to invest in the stock market, but today I want to know about how you are investing your time.

Now some of you are saying that you are working remotely at home so you don’t have more time. Well, what about the time you used to take to get dressed up and drive to work. That should give you extra time. Even if your job is 15 minutes from your home that gives you an extra 30 minutes per day.

When I exercise I listen to a Christian music station like K-Love or Life Songs. This gives me the opportunity to pray and spend time with God. And one thing I hear God saying to me is Psalm 46:10. Be still and know that I am God, know that I will be exalted among the earth, I will be exalted among all nations.

God has given us more time. I pray that you will use it wisely. I beg of you not to use it to join the panic that is on social media. I beg of you not to spend all of your time in front of the TV checking out coronavirus maps and looking at what states are quarantining. I beg of you to use this time to get closer to Jesus. I strongly encourage you to allow this time to develop a much closer relationship with the Lord.

I must say that I am amazed by the people that are just running around and doing all the things that they have always done. These are the people that are causing this virus to stick around longer and pushing back the date that things can go back to normal. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe God has done this to encourage us to stay at home and spend more time with Him. We have more time to pray which we should all be doing now. Pray 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. We have more time to read and study our bibles. More churches are online, so we can visit other churches remotely.

Consider today’s passage, make the most of the time that God has given us. Walk as wise people, don’t be foolish. The days are evil, but when we stick close to the Lord, we can discern what his good and perfect will is for our lives. Trust in Him to guide you through this difficult time and don’t be afraid to stop and spend some good, quality time with Him.

Have a great day!