“God isn’t bound by time.”
Ron’s reminder cleared the confusion our group encountered during a recent Bible study. He added, “God knows and understands everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen. He is in control across all time and all space.”
God is not limited by days and nights like we are. With Him there is no beginning or end. He has always existed and always will.
The eternal God knew we couldn’t live in a timeless environment. When He created this world, He designed days and nights specifically for us.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was formless and empty. . . .
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
And God saw that the light was good.
Then he separated the light from the darkness.
God called the light “day,” and the darkness “night.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
Genesis 1:1-5 (NLT)
Sarah Young, author of the devotional book Jesus Calling, imagined God explaining time to us this way:
“I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn’t bear
to see all of your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time,
it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself
in My company, breathing deep draughts of My presence.”
(June 27, page 186.)
“I divided time into days and nights so that you would have
manageable portions of life to handle.”
(July 15, page 206.)
Isn’t this exactly what we need? Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m so glad this day is almost over; maybe tomorrow will be better.”
Or the darkness of the night prompted you to long for the light of day when you could find someone to help carry your burdens.
Perhaps your brain was on overload. You decided to stop for the day and tackle your project again tomorrow after a good night’s rest.
These simple examples symbolize hope. When a new day dawns, God promises to help us cope with whatever situation we face. God never sleeps and is constantly aware of what is happening in our personal world.
I want to tell you how my personal world crumbled last month. Our family experienced the tragic and unexpected death of my 29-year-old cousin, Ashley Marie. Shock and sorrow enveloped each one of us.
Ashley was here, and in the next moment she left this earth. We are still here on earth, and we know Ashley is in heaven with Jesus, her Savior. As each day passes, though, we feel the reality of her absence more deeply. God is helping us face our sorrow and trust Him for each tomorrow.
Everything that took place in the past, or is being experienced today, or will happen in the future is one complete picture in God’s mind and heart. Somehow knowing that brings me comfort and deepens my faith. God is not in heaven counting days, or months, or years. He already knows when I will be there in heaven instead of here on earth.
The following song by Janet Paschal helped me better understand “here and now” and “there and then.” Whenever I hear her sing this song, it lifts my heart and creates a picture of peace and hope. Perhaps her words will soften any sorrow you may be experiencing.
It’s Not About Now
by Janet Paschal
She watched as they carried her baby away
She heard all the words when there was nothing to say
How could she stay here when her heart had to go
And keep on believing when she just couldn't know
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
He watched as his future just went up in smoke
And wondered if hope was some kind of cruel joke
Had the work and the planning, the sweat and the tears
Brought only failure and a jumble of fears
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
They'd only had such a short little while
To love and to heal and to learn how to smile
It didn't seem fair when she had to let go
Let him slip from her arms when she needed him so
It's not about now, it's not about here
It's all about then when there's nothing to fear
It's all about there where the mystery's clear
When then will be now and there will be here
Songwriters: Gaither Gloria L / Wright Woodrow W|
It's Not About Now lyrics © Gaither Music Co.,
Would He Write Songs, Hanna Street Music
Our loving God sees the eternal and forever picture of our lives in heaven. He wants us to be there with Him to enjoy His presence and see our loved ones. He made a way for that to happen by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins.
And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life;
whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
I John 5:11-13 (NLT)
If you’ve already asked Jesus to come into your heart, you know the peace and joy that comes from having a personal relationship with God. If you’ve not yet said “yes” to His invitation, you can do that today by saying a simple prayer of faith in your own words.
Accepting His promise of eternal life in heaven brings assurance that one day you will be with Him there. And when you’re there with God, it will seem as if no time has passed.