So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:12-17, ESV

No one needs to remind us that we are living in a time of turmoil. And as we know, much of what we are experiencing is out of our control, leaving us with feelings of anxiety. But despite all of the turbulence happening around us and sometimes inside of us, there is something that we can control—our responses.

We can choose to turn toward God and away from fear. We can choose to trust our Heavenly Father, who does not change and who gives all good gifts. We can choose to seek opportunities to express wisdom and love when others around us are feeling and expressing confusion and outrage. Perhaps this is our moment to redeem the time.

How do we, as believers in a good God, redeem the time? We can ask Him, what would He have us do with the next 24 hours we spend on this planet? Psalm 90: 12-17 suggests that as we press into God and His love, that His works will be a testimony in and through us both now and to future generations.

How will you allow the Lord’s goodness to shine forth through you in this increasingly uncertain time? Whether you are preparing lessons, or interacting with students, parents, or coworkers, you can turn to Jesus, trust Him, and seek the ways He wants you to exemplify His wisdom and love.

Heavenly Father, You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Indeed, nothing is our own—even time—specifically these 24-hour periods we call days. Please help us to use the time You have given us wisely and redemptively. Teach us to number our days and to live them to Your honor and glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Copyright by Vicki Milczewsky.

Vicki is a member and a high school teacher in California.