The Hands of Time

So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkien

If you’re a geek like me, you will recognize this quote immediately as the inspiring words spoken by one Gandalf the Grey in response to the despairing moment when his companion laments that he wished such horrible things had not happened in his time. The wise old man reminds his friend that no one wishes to be alive during times of horror and suffering, but that humans have no control over such things. Each person can only choose to live their lives the very best way they know how in the time that is allotted to each of them.

The writer of Ecclesiastes seems to be in the same place of despair. He laments the meaninglessness of life coupled with an understanding that time has been given to each person for a reason and should be used wisely. The famous words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 outline the times and seasons that humanity will face, and the ticking of the clock is heard in each refrain that follows.

“A time to be born” – tick

“A time to die” – tock

“A time to weep” – tick

“A time to laugh” – tock       

“A time to mourn” – tick

“A time to dance” – tock

The state of our present circumstances may leave us with these same feelings of despair. The hands of time are ticking away as our lives fall apart a little more with each passing second. The advancement of knowledge, in which we hold so much faith, so often fails us, just as so many other human devices do. The information and facts change from day to day, and our walls of defense against evil or danger are habitually weakened by the simple passing of time.

Yet, the writer of Ecclesiastes proclaims that there is nothing new under the sun. Just like the sea is filled over and over again by the streams and the rivers that flow into it, time marches on. It moves us ever forward, it seems, endlessly washing us here and there as it sees fit, and then the process repeats itself. How tiresome life can seem when we look at it this way.

And there is a time to consider these things, but there is also a time be reminded about the conclusion of the matter: our true goal is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

In the end, we must shake ourselves and remember that “all things were made by Him” (John 1:3), and that God is still in control. Our human systems of knowledge and technology will always fail us, but God never will. There are few things we can count on to be unchanging in this life, but some of them are that darkness will always fall on the land, yet morning will always come, loneliness is a stranger to no one, yet God is always there when you reach out to Him.

When we remind ourselves of the sovereignty, the holiness, and the unfathomable love that is inherent in our Heavenly Father, our failed attempts to be in control of this life will suddenly seem less important. As a result, peace will reside where fear and doubt once ruled in our hearts and minds.

Choose how you will use your time. Use it wisely. Use it well. Look to the light and not the darkness.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

We may be facing uncertainty and hardship in this present time, yet there is wisdom to be found in these moments. Ephesians 5: 15-16 tells us to walk in wisdom, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

We can use what little time we have on this earth seeking after the good things of God, or we can waste it on worry and worldly distractions. We can either stumble in the dark and bemoan our time on this earth and the lot we have been given, or we can trust in God and keep His commandments. In seeking after God and following His commandments, not only will we lift ourselves up, but we may lift up another weary traveler on their journey.

Love God, love each other, and be grateful for the time God has given you to live on this earth, no matter how great or small the time you have been given. The hands of time may move ever forward, but the hands of God are always in control.