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October 15, 2025
There Is No Such Thing as Wasted Time
CLAIRE FOXX
Lee en español
“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven …” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (CSB)
After a long workweek, I was looking forward to a do-nothing weekend of relaxation, starting with movie night on the couch. Before pressing “play,” I challenged myself to be productive for just three more minutes while my microwave popcorn popped.
The countdown began. I quickly swept the kitchen, refilled my water bottle, and rushed through half an email reply on my phone — but then the timer beeped. I flinched midsentence. Too slow. Too much to do. Not enough done.
Do you ever feel like you just can’t beat the clock?
We aren’t alone. The main narrator of Ecclesiastes also questioned, “Who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow” (Ecclesiastes 6:12, NLT).
Unlike us, this narrator was an ancient Israelite king — but exactly like us, he had only 24 hours to live each day. And he worried this wouldn’t be enough time to achieve his goals, serve his people, and solve his problems, not to mention try to find some happiness along the way.
No matter how he crunched the numbers, the king couldn’t find a perfect schedule for his limited lifetime. But the Lord showed him a better truth: God isn't asking us to beat the clock.
He’s asking us to trust that “there is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The God who created life and time itself brings purpose to every moment.
So today matters.
It matters even if you don't finish the laundry. Even if you feed your kids dinner without a green vegetable.
It matters even if you don't drink your body weight in ounces of water. Even if you're late to the meeting. Even if your inbox has 100 unread messages. Even if you get to the end of the day, and despite everything you did and everywhere you went, you can't tell if you accomplished anything worthwhile.
When we surrender our lives to the King of eternity, not one second goes to waste. God gives us both opportunities and responsibilities to use our time wisely every day, and we give ourselves to His service, but we do so knowing His Kingdom isn’t about round-the-clock productivity. It’s about round-the-clock faithfulness.
In “a time to tear down,” faithfulness may look different than in “a time to build.” Trusting God in “a time to laugh” doesn't feel the same as in “a time to weep” (Ecclesiastes 3:3-4, CSB). But He’s with us through it all. He's not in a hurry. And even as our seasons change, faithfulness is always possible because God is always purposeful.
Today — right now — you have His permission to take your eyes off the timer and simply look to Him.
Eternal Father, thank You that You never waste time. Show us how to trust You hour by hour, moment by moment. When hard days feel never-ending, remind us of what truly never ends: eternal life with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Whether life feels like it’s standing still or moving too fast with no clear direction, it’s easy to feel lost. But, friend, can we encourage you today? God won’t waste your waiting, your wondering, or what you wish was different about your life. That’s what our next First 5 Bible study is all about: Ecclesiastes: Finding Meaning in Every Moment. Starting October 27, this study is an invitation for God to meet you right in the middle of your struggles, even if everything isn’t already figured out. Get your study guide, and also make plans to join us in the First 5 app.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ecclesiastes 3:11a, "He has made everything appropriate in its time" (CSB).
Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head" (CSB).
White clothing and anointing oil were associated with special celebrations in ancient Israel, but Ecclesiastes 9:8 says we can enjoy them “all the time.” How do God’s purposes for us and His presence with us make every moment celebratory? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
© 2025 by Claire Foxx. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
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