“My times are in your hand.” Psalm 31:15

An interesting statement in Psalm 31 addresses our approach to a new year. “My times are in your hand.” Think about the implications of this statement.

Notice that the term, “times,” is plural. What is the difference between “time” and “times?”

Time is a measure of duration. Time measures progress. Time expresses limits. Time offers opportunities. Once it passes it can never be relived. Time flies. We never have enough time.

Times focus on specific events or experiences that occur. There are good times. There are bad times. There can be challenging times. Times are remembered as “the good old days.” Times should never be forgotten such as the day you were married. Times can be impressive and life changing. Times can also be something you wish you could forget.

Times are personal. It is at the discretion of the individual to identify some experience as significant. Babies are born every day but not everyone makes note of another birth. Some conversations are forgotten moments after their expression because nothing significant was said. Some days are never forgotten, but most fade from reference because nothing personally significant happened.

Times are subjective. There are no set standards on which events are to be impacting and which are to be ignored. It is up to everyone to decide which times are earmarked for future reference. Photographs record moments in the past that make times remembered. To see a face from the past is to also hear a voice or relive an event.

Times are futuristic as much as historical. As we anticipate a new year, we wonder if we are headed toward “good times” or “bad times.” We realize that unforeseen events will impact us this year. If we could know what we would face, we could prepare for the times ahead. The problem is that hind sight is better than foresight.

What can we do with the times ahead? First, we must admit we need God. Without God, many times seem intolerable and impossible to face. The Lord wants to be our partner in life. He wants to teach us His way, not just show us how to survive. He is eager to show us how much He loves us. He is the missing element we need in good times and bad.

Second, we must turn to God when times of challenge or adversity come. We don’t need to fret and worry. We need to comprehend that God delights in helping us when times seem confusing and difficult. God wants more from us than just our requests. He wants our surrender. It is when we move ourselves out of the way that He can become our solution.

A common statement of a parent to a small child is, “Let me help you.” The child thinks being an adult is to solve your own problems. But, part of adulthood is to know when we need help. It is when we seek God’s help that we can anticipate better outcomes of whatever times lay ahead.

Bro. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdbc.org. From the Shepherd’s Heart is published Fridays in The Meridian Star.