“My times are in Your hands” – Psalm 31:15a
Have you ever been struck by one word in a passage of Scripture? This passage from Psalms 31 has captured my attention over and over. What does it mean that our “times” are in God’s hands? How do we orient ourselves to allow God to be the Lord of our lives in all times?
Stephanie and I were married on January 29, 2000. Wanting to make our anniversary date a special time of gratitude, we implemented “29 dates!” The concept was that on the 29th of every month we would plan a special date night – maybe dinner out, or a movie, or a trip to Sonic or Braum’s for ice cream. We thought the only challenge would be February!!
We quickly realized that every month it was tough to set aside the 29th. It seemed there was always a conflict with a church meeting or ballgame or some other commitment. Later it would be kids’ schedules or holidays or family events. It has become our running joke that something will be scheduled to conflict with our “29 date.”
So, through the years we made a priority of making each and every day special by focusing on ways to say, “I love you” or “I miss you” and finding times throughout the day to connect by phone, text and in person to talk, share about our joys and challenges, and constantly renew our friendship and love for one another.
If we wait for Someday like the “29 date” in our relationships with one another, or especially our relationship with God, there will always be reasons why the circumstances of life get in the way. Being intentional about growing in our relationship with Christ, our spouse, our kids or our friends requires a daily commitment to letting God be present in ALL TIMES and making ourselves aware of the meaning and joy that we experience in the moment each and every day. Why not start today?
Phil Greenwald, Executive Pastor of Administration
