The dawn of a new year is an excellent time to remember the importance of time and to consider how we ought to redeem it in the coming days.
Near the end of his long life, Moses, the man of God, wrote Psalm 90. In this psalm, he described the everlasting nature of a God Who lives outside of time. Moses wrote, “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:1–2).
In contrast to God’s eternality, Moses reminded us that as mere mortals our human life is short on this earth. He described man’s life as being similar to grass growing: “In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth” (Psalm 90:6).
By way of application, Moses encouraged the next generation of Israelites to keep careful account of how they might spend their days. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
It is vitally important that young men and women “number their days.” They can do so by welcoming each new year and each birthday as a time to soberly consider how they might use their time more wisely. Sadly, many young people fritter away their single years while pining for marriage, never realizing that they are missing golden opportunities to spend the days of their singleness in useful endeavors.
It has been wisely stated that “life is what happens while you are waiting for life to begin.” When young people hold the attitude that life doesn’t really start until marriage, they will live in constant discontentment, longing for the next stage of life.
Young men:
Many young men have found it profitable to learn important life skills, such as carpentry, mechanics, engineering, medicine, or law, during their years of singleness. One of the great tragedies of our modern era is that so many young men waste their time with trifles, such as video games and virtual reality experiences. Even the seemingly endless reading of novels, following sports, or even viewing entertaining movies, however wholesome they may be deemed to be, is a waste of valuable time that could be better spent in profitable endeavors and ministry to others.
We need bridegrooms who honor God and are strong, diligent, pure, and mature. Find some valuable activities that lead toward these goals, and you will be a wise man.
Young women:
Young ladies are not exempt from the tendency to waste their years of singleness. Far too many teenage girls and young women spend valuable time reading romance novels, chattering about silly matters with friends, daydreaming about future marriage, or comparing themselves with others on social media as though their current life circumstances were somehow not satisfying.
Many skills that will be useful as a wife and mother are best learned as a sister and daughter. Learning how to cook healthy dishes, maintain a clean home, shop for the best bargains, organize papers and possessions, and care for little ones are basic homemaking skills that will carry most young ladies through a life of blessing.
We need brides who love God wholeheartedly and are joyful, kind, humble, and willing to serve. Many young women find it very helpful to gain skills in health care, midwifery, computer skills, bookkeeping, and business management. These skills and interests, when guided by the hand of God, may very well open the door to future opportunities.
Young men and women, when life is not happening as you envisioned it should, spend a few moments meditating on the wisdom in Psalm 90:12. How will you redeem the time this year that God has given you?
