Our Times Are In His Hands

“Our Times Are In His Hands”.

Each passing moment brings the inevitable reality of someone’s departure from this world, but we are all unaware of our place in the “queue” of departure.

The verse “Our times are in His hands” beautifully captures the profound truth of Psalm 31:15, which reminds us that our lives are lovingly directed by the hand of Almighty God.

This truth is a fundamental belief of the Christian faith and highlights the divine providence that guides every aspect of our lives.

According to the Bible, in Ecclesiastes 3:11, the Bible states that there is a deep longing in the hearts of all human beings for something beyond the temporary and finite, something eternal. This eternal longing reflects a deep desire to connect with God, a desire that transcends cultural, religious and ideological differences.

We are faced with an endless queue stretching out before us, its true length hidden from our view. There’s no getting around it, no avoiding it, no escaping it. We are connected to this road, which moves steadily forward, and each step is a reminder of our collective journey towards an inevitable destination.

Here, on this journey called life, which the Bible describes as short. Let me share with you a few examples of what it says:

• “For you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are like a mist that appears for a little while and then passes away.” James 4:14 ESV
• “Teach us to number our days, that we may have a wise heart.” Psalm 90:12 ESV
• “The days of our life are seventy, or eighty in strength; but they are years of labour and weariness, and then they pass away, and we fly away. He who considers the strength of your wrath, and your anger according to your fear. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a wise heart. Come back, Lord! How long? Have mercy on your servants! Establish us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90: 10-14 ESV
• “Let me know, O LORD, the end of my days and the measure of my days; declare to me, O LORD, how short-lived I am; behold, you have made my days short, and my life before you is as nothing. All men are like a breath. A weapon”. Psalm 39: 4-5 ESV
• “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such-and-such a country, spend a year there, trade and make a profit’. – You don’t know what the next day will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a short time and then disappears. Instead, you should say: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that”. As it is, you are boasting in your arrogance. All this arrogance is bad. Whoever knows what is right and does not do it is a sinner.” James 4:13-17 ESV

So we must be vigilant and make the most of the situation.

Here are some suggestions for activities that we can and should consider.

• Take every opportunity to create lasting memories that truly reflect who you are and what you value. Whether it’s a quiet evening with your loved ones or an exciting adventure, fill the occasion with meaning and importance.
• Take time for self-reflection and discover your true priorities amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a clear understanding of what’s important to you, you’ll be able to confidently face any obstacles that come your way.
• Make sure you set aside time in your busy schedule for activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Embrace the things that bring you joy, whether it’s a personal project, quality time with your loved ones or simply finding solace in moments of peace. Remember to take care of yourself and nurture your inner being.
• Appreciate and embrace your special skills and talents and share them confidently with others. Your contributions have the power to bring joy and positivity and make a tangible difference to the lives of those around you.
• Make an effort to be friendly and considerate to everyone you meet and make sure that everyone feels valued and treated with dignity. By spreading positivity and kindness, you not only bring happiness to others, but also help to create a more caring and receptive society.
• Use your voice to make a difference by standing up for justice, equality and human rights. Let’s unite to fight injustice and oppression and ensure that the voices of the marginalised or silenced are heard loud and clear.
• Adopt a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for life’s little joys, recognising the beauty and importance of everyday moments. Appreciating the little moments can bring happiness and contentment to your daily life.
• Spread joy by brightening someone’s day with a genuine compliment, a small act of kindness or a simple act of generosity. The impact of your actions can bring joy and create a memorable experience for others.
• Make a conscious effort to make a positive change in your life and in the world around you. Whether it’s supporting environmental sustainability, advocating for social justice or encouraging community involvement, let’s work together to drive progress and create positive change.
• Cultivate love and connection in your relationships and foster strong bonds based on trust, respect and mutual understanding. It’s important to value the people in your life and show them your love and appreciation on a regular basis.
• Treat conflicts and misunderstandings with a compassionate and understanding approach, with the aim of resolving conflicts and promoting tolerance wherever possible. By embracing tolerance and letting go of resentment, you can create a sense of peace and harmony in your relationships and in yourself.
• Seek peace in all areas of your life, aiming for harmony and balance, even when facing life’s challenges and uncertainties. Foster a sense of serenity by adopting mindfulness, meditation and spiritual dedication, and share this serenity with others to promote a more harmonious global community.
• Always show your love and appreciation for the important people in your life. Express your appreciation for your loved ones, whether through kind words, helpful actions or simply spending quality time with them.
• Embrace a life of purpose and determination and pursue your dreams and ambitions without fear. Embrace each day with enthusiasm and optimism, realising that you have lived your life to the full and loved it deeply.
• Let go of fear and doubt and welcome a life full of joy and fulfilment.

Considering these aspects, it’s important to remember something as children of God, even if this includes both Christian and non-Christian elements.

Our task as believers in Christ is to spread the life-changing message of the Gospel, recognising that every human being, regardless of their spiritual condition, longs for redemption and a restored relationship with God.

In Romans 10:14-15, the apostle Paul emphasises the importance of faith, asking: “How can anyone invite anyone who has not believed in him? How can you believe in someone who has not heard? How can they hear without anyone sharing the message with them? How can anyone share the message with them without their having had the opportunity?” It is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who carry the gospel!”

As ambassadors for Christ, it is our sincere responsibility and honour to spread the message of the Gospel, offering the hope and salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ. By expressing ourselves with kindness, compassion and authenticity, we have the opportunity to show how God’s love can make a positive change in people’s lives. This, in turn, can inspire others to seek a personal connection with Him.

When we accept our calling as missionaries, it is important that we approach every interaction with a warm and caring attitude. We must be sensitive to the needs of others, humble in our approach and pray fervently, trusting that the Holy Spirit will touch hearts and minds with the truth of the gospel.

It’s important to remember Jesus’ message in Matthew 28: 19-20. He encourages us with these words: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Let’s share the Gospel with confidence and without fear, knowing that the Word of God has the incredible power to change hearts, save souls and guarantee eternity in the bosom of our loving Father.

For further reflection:

Illustrations from the Bible:

The parable of the rich fool, Luke 12: 16-21 – Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who plans to build bigger barns to store his abundant harvest, but God calls him a fool because he fails to realise that his life is not guaranteed beyond that moment.

• This illustrates the uncertainty of life and the importance of being aware of our own mortality.

The widow’s offering Mark 12:41-44 – Jesus praises a poor widow who gives two small coins to the temple treasury.

• He emphasises the importance of making the most of the little time and resources we have, regardless of our circumstances.

The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25: 14-30 – In this parable, Jesus teaches about stewardship and the importance of using our abilities and opportunities wisely.

• He emphasises that our time on earth is limited and that we are responsible for how we invest it.

The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 – This parable compares the fate of a rich man who lived luxuriously without caring for others and a poor beggar named Lazarus.

• It serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the eternal consequences of our actions.

Paul’s teaching on time management Ephesians 15:5-16 – Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians to make the most of every opportunity, recognising the fleeting nature of time and the need to prioritise wisely in the service of God’s purposes.