1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV — Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

In yesterday’s post I encouraged you to ponder what your days would be like without clocks. Today, let’s consider the possibility of freezing time. Have you experienced moments in life in which you wished you could make time stand still or freeze? Over the years there have been moments that have become ingrained in my memory. These times usually involve my family all being together and often it was not a huge adventure but simple times such as playing ball together in the yard, laughing together at a TV show, or sharing a meal together at the dining room table. I call these “great memory making times.” Have you experienced some of these times? While we can’t freeze time, we can relish these moments. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines relish as “to be pleased or gratified by: enjoy.” At this point in my life, relish is a word on which I am focusing. In fact, relish is my word of the year for 2023. This year, God has taught me the importance of living in the moment and taking in all the blessings He gives me. Today, I encourage you to live in the moment and be intentional about relishing your time.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for this moment. Help me to live in the moment and relish my time. Since I cannot freeze time, ingrain in my mind those special moments. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 90:12 NIV — Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

A few years ago I heard a radio announcer share a story about an island off the coast of Norway that has daylight for over two months at a time. The reporter stated that due to the long hours of daylight, and no night or darkness, the people of the town had started a petition to do away with clocks and time. I have later learned that this was a story made up for publicity and to entice people to visit Norway. Click here to read an article about this ploy for publicity.

Nevertheless, the idea of having no clocks made me think. My first thought was how nice it would be to not be tied to a schedule. We could all be footloose and fancy-free. We would be more apt to be present in each moment if we didn’t really have a way to plan ahead. It would be like being on vacation all the time. However, the more I thought about it the more I realized this would not be a good idea. How would we make doctor appointments, meet for lunch dates, or know when to watch our favorite tv show? We are instructed in the Bible about the importance of time. Today’s featured scripture reminds us that time is valuable. God wants us to realize the importance of using our time wisely while also not being too tied to our schedules. God wants us to live in the moment every day while still keeping an eye toward tomorrow. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for today. Guide my thoughts and actions today. Help me to realize the importance of planning but not be consumed by looking forward too much. Help me to enjoy this moment and make the most of my time. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Matthew 6:34 NIV — Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Do you spend a lot of time thinking about what is ahead in your day, week, month, or year? Are you a worrier? Are you consumed with thinking, planning or even worrying about your next steps?

This week we will focus on right now and living in the moment. As you worship today, be present in the present. Enjoy your time with God. Revel in the presence of your Creator as you worship and praise the gift of now.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of now. Help me to be present in this moment and revel in Your presence here with me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.