Encouragement

Time Tells, Time Heals, Time Moves

by Debbie Kennedy
08/07/20
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I like to say time tells, it heals, and it moves! Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future. King Solomon, wise king and one of the Bible’s authors, recorded some thoughts on time in the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 3: 1-8 - To Everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away. A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

 A couple of days ago I received a text from my beloved sister reminding me that August 4th was the day that marked 10 years since the time our mother went home to be with Jesus. Now, I probably would not have thought about it had I not received that text.  I was busy – finally putting some goals down on paper for 2020. I granted myself grace as normally I would have done this in January! Goals help propel us, don’t they?! Of course, I shook my head and thought how quickly time passes… 10 years since our dear mother took her last breath here on earth. Times of missing her come at unpredictive times, today was not one of those days!

Normally, for me, the month of May brings a tinge of grief – her birthday month, as well as Mother’s Day. I was grateful to witness three beautiful hummingbirds in a 10- minute time frame after that text came from my sister. I was sitting in a sun lounger on my lunch hour at home. I rarely see hummingbirds in my own yard, so I loved that I had the privilege to observe them feast on the flowers in my pots that adorn my back patio – love notes to me from the Almighty!  My mother loved birds, especially hummingbirds. The timing was amazing to me! Have you experienced beautiful reminders that stole your breath for a minute of time?! Give thanks for those. James 1:7 - Every good and perfect gift is from above; coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

What I found fascinating is that the word “time” was impressed upon my heart earlier during my devotion and prayer time just that morning. I never ignore words that seem to drop in my lap during prayer time. For almost the last 6 months of time we have lost our “normal” in our country since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Believe me, I do try and stay informed, but I choose to stay out of the news media for the most part to keep mental/emotional balance. What we allow into our minds affects us- whether we acknowledge it or not.  We are living in such unprecedented times right now and we will surely not forget them anytime soon. The times will continue to ignite intense emotions within us as we move forward day by day until there is resolve.  I am certain you all join me in saying, “I’m done with this!” If only we could press the fast forward button on this season of time - we are growing weary!

Waiting is always challenging. How long, we ask? The question that always seems amplified every now and then is: will we wait well?  We are missing our normal routines that may never return to what they were prior to the outbreak. When nothing feels the same it does not take much to cause us to become overwhelmed. Maybe your prayers have at times been somewhat like mine? “Lord, thy will be done, but could you hurry and make this pass soon.”

It was not an accident that the Holy Spirit led me to Ecclesiastes to which I felt compelled to share. Of course, I was led to some other scriptures as well. A great reminder comes from the book of Daniel 2:21 – It is He who changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and greater knowledge to those who have understanding!  Oh, think on that one – He already knows who will lead our country next. The author of time already knows! He is ahead of us always. We need His words and His promises so much – leaders need prayers too! We can pray any promise of God and what a privilege that is! Of course, these are also contingent on our obeying what He tells us to do.  Our confidence in Him refreshes as we absorb and feed our spirits on His words. It is then that we are brought back to experiencing Him in our “now” atmosphere. God still reigns and is very much alive! Friends, He will see us through these times just like all the others. As challenging as it may be in the now, He is with us and will give us strength to wait well no matter what the circumstances are or what our outcomes will be.  Isaiah 43:10 – Those who wait for the Lord shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up as eagles; they shall run and not faint or become tired. Selah.

Prayer: God, we trust You in these times. We lean on You and hope confidently in You. You are our everlasting Rock! You are never tardy or late. We can hardly fathom 1,000 years is like a day with You. Help us wait well and faint not in these hearts. Help us see the small blessings You give to amaze us. Amen