Use your time wisely.

Ephesians 5:15-16

” 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

One thing that I have struggled with more since becoming isolated and battling more chronic illnesses is using time wisely. Days can seem to drag on without purpose or plan. Yet, “survival tasks” can also seem never ending. You know, tasks such as laundry, preparing food, housework, etc. Simple tasks take so much time that it feels as if that is all there is to do.

It is also easy to simply get caught in watching videos, scrolling, or other distractions in the isolation. Yes, I have those same tendencies. our days can lack purpose. Motivation is an issue.

Yet, here, God tells us to walk circumspectly (diligently) and to redeem (wisely use) the time. How can we do that in isolation, battling weakness and brain fog? I would love your thoughts on this, but here are a few ways that I have found to use time in this situation:

• Listen to audio Scripture, uplifting music, and podcasts as you do the needed tasks.
• Reach out to others who need encouragement. Missionaries, others who are struggling, new moms, and many others could use encouragement.
• Pray! Perhaps God has called us to this life of chronic illness and isolation to give us time to pray for others. Be a prayer warrior. Spend time with the Father!
• Read. Reading is much better than endlessly, mindlessly scrolling. Read books that help you grow closer to Jesus.
• Find a hobby. Sometimes, the hobbies can also be used to make things for others or to encourage others. It is something productive.

God wants us to use our time wisely, especially in the needs of our day and time. He wants us to use it to glorify Him. This article dives deeper in the issue of time. I found it to be helpful and hope you will too.