Let Us Redeem Our Time
Most of us start the day with good intentions. We wake up thinking, “Today is going to be a good day.” We may even say, “This is the day the Lord has made—I’m going to enjoy it (Psalm 118:24).” But then life happens. We get distracted, pulled in different directions, or caught up in things that don’t really matter. Before we know it, the day is over—and we’re left wondering where the time went and what we accomplished.
There’s an old song by Otis Redding called “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” One of the most memorable lines says, “Watchin’ the tide roll away… wastin’ time.” That line hits differently when you really think about it. How often do we find ourselves doing the same thing—letting hours pass without purpose? Scrolling, worrying, daydreaming, or putting off what really matters?
The Bible encourages us to be mindful of how we use our time: “Make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15–17). In other words, don’t let life just happen—be intentional with it. We should focus on what truly matters. If we’re honest, many of us can look back and remember things we invested time in that didn’t lead anywhere. Ideas we chased, habits we picked up, or distractions that pulled us off track. It’s part of being human—but it’s also a reminder to do better moving forward.
God doesn’t want our lives to be wasted on things that don’t matter. Romans 12:1 encourages us to offer our lives to Him fully—to let Him shape how we live, what we do, and how we spend our time. The truth is, we don’t always know the best way to use our time. But we don’t have to figure it out alone. James 1:5 tells us that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us. He will guide us, help us prioritize, and show us what really matters.
What should we do? It’s easy to stay stuck in the planning stage—thinking, dreaming, or saying “one day I’ll…” But without action, nothing changes. The enemy would love for us to stay distracted—always thinking, never doing. Always busy, but never productive in the ways that truly count. We must use the time that we have been given.
Time is one of the most valuable gifts we have. We can’t save it, pause it, or get it back once it’s gone. Every day is an opportunity—and once it passes, it’s gone for good. We’re already well into 2026. Instead of focusing on what we didn’t do earlier this year, let’s focus on what we can do starting today.
Let us spend time seeking God’s direction and letting go of habits and distractions that hold us back. We should focus on what has lasting value and live in a way that honors God. 2 Timothy 2:20–21 reminds us that when we clean out the things that don’t belong in our lives, we become more useful for God’s purpose. So, starting now, let’s be intentional. Let’s live with purpose. Let’s make our time count. Let’s redeem our time.
Psalm 118:24
New King James Version
24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Ephesians 5:15-17
New International Version
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Romans 12:1
New International Version
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
James 1:5
New International Version
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
2 Timothy 2:20-21
New International Version
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
