What Really Matters?

January 23, 2017

WHAT REALLY MATTERS?

What really matters is what I'm beginning to learn. Time matters because it is nonrenewable. I cannot make it or buy it or trade for it. Once it is used it is gone. It doesn't stop, unless by a miracle when Joshua defeated the Amorites at Gibeon.

There was a need and a plea:
6 So the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not [a]abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all [five of] the kings of the Amorites who live in the hill country have assembled against us.”

Joshua answered that call for help:

 7 So Joshua [b]went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the men of valor.

God encouraged Joshua and promised him victory:8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, because I have given them into your hand; not [c]one of them shall stand before you.” 

Joshua obeyed the Lord (sowed in faith):

9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, [surprising them] by marching [uphill] all night from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord caused them to panic and be confused before Israel, and He struck them dead in a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goes up to Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones [of hail] from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. More [Amorites] died because of the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword.

Joshua reaped a harvest:

12-13 The day God gave the Amorites up to Israel, Joshua spoke to God, with all Israel listening:

“Stop, Sun, over Gibeon;
Halt, Moon, over Aijalon Valley.”
And Sun stopped,
Moon stood stock still
Until he defeated his enemies.

13-14 (You can find this written in the Book of Jashar.) The sun stopped in its tracks in mid sky; just sat there all day. There’s never been a day like that before or since—God took orders from a human voice! Truly, God fought for Israel.

That was a wonderful detour. But back to time matters.

Time matters. How am I spending my time? Am I considering it valuable, more valuable than my stuff? Am I being wise and decluttering as the Lord leads or am I trying to make my own way and redeem what I lost in money and time? What if I spent a little more time and boxed up what I don't want or can't use and give them away. I can posted a few more expensive items online? I would have more time to spend on what I value more. Only God can redeem what was lost and even then I must come to peace with what cannot be changed or undone.