Finding God's Purpose For Time... by Emily

Time—it’s always flowing. 


Time brings change and growth, unraveling and healing.

 “Finding God’s Purpose for Time”

​Time is something that as humans, we must live in. Although God is beyond all time, we must learn to walk with Him while living on this continuum He created for us. Unfortunately, as with all things we tend to have unbalanced views of time. Some of us are stuck in the past, while others (like me) fear the future. And some of us refuse to live for anything but the present moment.

What is the Biblical view on time, and how can we lead Godly lives while making the most of our time as young Christian women?

​Walk Through the Past

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

We were never meant to be stuck in the past. Time continually changes, and we can’t dial it back or relive it, despite the moments we wish we could.  Although it may not be the cause of depression, obsessing over the past can cause emotionally toxic roots to grow in our minds.
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Processing the past, learning from our mistakes, and giving our pain to Jesus will free us so we can become the confident and joyful daughters He made us to be. Rejoice in treasured memories and trust God to help you walk through the bad ones.

Act in the Present ​

 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)

Be present. That’s the mantra we keep hearing from mental health gurus and spiritual social media posts. God warns us in Ephesians to be present when we go about our days. We need to make the most of every opportunity, but not for ourselves.

It’s important not to live for the present moment for selfish reasons. This is unwise and leads to many reckless decisions like premarital sex or substance abuse. Instead, we can use this very moment we live in to love someone and help them come to know Christ.

Instead of looking at our phones or thinking of other things when we are going about our daily routine, we should ask God,   "What can I do to glorify You and better my life and the lives of those around me?"
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Hope for the Future

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)


A lot of us are anxious about the future. I know this is something I struggle with every day. As young women, we face a lot of pressure and uncertainty in this modern world. College, jobs, relationships, marriage, politics—the weight of these thoughts can crush us if we don’t know where to place our hope.

Anxiety is often intertwined with a lack of trust in God. Since we can’t see the future and we live in a fallen world, it can be hard to know that God is faithful and has great plans for us. However, we need to remember that God is not like a human being. He is the only one who can see the future, and He loves us more than anyone. We can trust Jesus.
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While we should never dwell on the future, it is always wise to plan and make goals. We must remember that even though most things never go according to plan, God will work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). Keep your hope in the Lord, and know that your future is full of promise. 
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Live for Eternity

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV)

The past teaches us and leads us in repentance to Christ. The present gives us the opportunity to act and fulfill God’s plan for our daily lives. The future gives us hope and motivation to become more like Jesus. All of these pieces of time train us for our main purpose which transcends all time.
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Eternity. We are made for so much more than this world could ever give us. We are made for God—to love and worship Him on earth and in heaven. Since we are a new creation in Christ, our lives should now be focused on Him and building His kingdom—our forever home.
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As you read and pray over all four of these aspects of time, I pray that God will help you in whatever area you are struggling in.

​When we study God’s word and how He views time and eternity, we can lead victorious lives that are full of peace and faith.