Short Days, or Long?

God has provided you with all the time you need.  Receive it by faith, use it diligently, enjoy life.

Short Days, or Long?

Text for Today – 1 Kings 3:14 – And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

How often has it been said, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done”?  I know there have been times in my life when due to my own poor planning, or seeming inability to say “NO” that I have felt overcome with all the things I had committed to accomplish.  I can tell you, dear reader, that has NEVER been the Lord’s fault.  I know the traditional thinking about our study text today has to do with how long one lives.  In no way am I in disagreement with that reasoning.  I am, however, convinced that there is more to the statement in our text than how long a person lives.  Proverbs 3:1-2 gives more insight into what I am saying here.  “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

Note closely in the Proverbs passage that reference is clearly made to both length of life and length of days.  Could it be that there are two different considerations here.  Could it be that a rich long life is one issue, but that the ability to accomplish more in each of those days you live is another issue entirely?  I believe so.  Let me encourage you to examine your days and order them.  These are simply wise practices that highly productive individuals do daily.  They make lists; they schedule their days; they control their calendars.  If people working in the natural world can do such things and accomplish so much more than the average person, think how much more a child of God can accomplish by doing the same things under the direction and leadership of Holy Ghost, and with His continued presence in help in every step you take during the day. 

I have learned, and am continually growing in those practices in my own life.  I do not yet have it perfected, but I can declare to you boldly, “IT WORKS!”  I have committed my way to the Lord, daily determined to walk in obedience to His Word and will for my life.  I have asked Him to help me “number my days.”  He is teaching me to daily “redeem the time.”  I find I am able to accomplish more and more on a daily basis.  I am not overworked, tired, or weary.  By following His Wisdom, I find that the person and presence of Holy Spirit helps keep things orderly throughout my days.  I accomplish more in less time.  His ways and thoughts are surely higher than mine, but rather than limiting me, that sets me free, for He has commanded me to allow His mind to dwell richly in me.  He is daily helping me accomplish more than natural time allows.

Manna for Today – Proverbs 3-4