The Gift of Time: Reflecting on What He’s Given

Zaressa Richardson
Dec 29, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 1

The Fine Print Series - Week 5 of “Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven”

Welcome back, friend!

It’s the last Monday of 2025. Oh wow, what a year! Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness.

We’ve reached the final week of the Unwrapping Gifts from Heaven series. What a journey this has been! Week by week, we’ve unwrapped the treasures of God’s heart and reflected on how present He’s been every step of the way.

Let’s take one last look at the gifts we’ve unwrapped together:

His Presence, where we learned that God is with us.

His Peace, where we found that He is within us.

His Grace, where we discovered that He covers us.

And last week, we unwrapped The Greatest Gift - Jesus, God’s love wrapped in flesh.

Now we come to our final gift, The Gift of Time.

Time is something we can’t hold, pause, or rewind, yet when it’s surrendered to God, it becomes one of the most precious gifts we can offer back to Him.

Managing the Gift Well

Here’s what I’ve learned: whatever you give your attention to has your heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In the past, I was someone who didn’t “have time” to pray long prayers. I prayed in the car on my way to work, over my food, or when I needed guidance and maybe you can relate.

But that’s exactly where the enemy likes to interfere. He knows that consistent communication with the Father strengthens us, reveals truth, and exposes his schemes. The Bible says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” When we draw closer, He speaks. He guides. He sharpens our discernment and warns us of attacks before they form.

Then something shifted. Thank You, Lord, for Your saving grace. The Holy Spirit, our wonderful Counselor (John 14:26), began to help me in ways I couldn’t help myself. I took my will out of the equation and started desiring time with my Father more than I desired control of my schedule.

I began to surrender my day to Him before I made my plans. I asked Him to lead me and show me His will for the day.

My life completely changed after being exposed to the truth of God’s Word about time. John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

I can’t add one hour or even one minute to my day, but the God of Elijah can make time stand still when it aligns with His will (Joshua 10:13). When I seek first the Kingdom of God, all other things are added unto me (Matthew 6:33). His grace and mercy follow me every single day (Psalm 23:6).

God is the Redeemer of time. That means He has the power to restore lost opportunities, repair wasted seasons, and bring purpose out of delay.

Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Think about this you were strategically born for this moment in time. Your life is not an accident. God placed you in this generation on purpose.

Acts 17:26 tells us that God “determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”

So the gift of time matters deeply because He picked you for this season. It’s not just something we are given; it’s a seed we can sow back into the Kingdom.

Reflecting on Time

As this year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect.

Where was your time spent this year? Did you invest it in things that drew you closer to God, or did distractions steal the moments meant for Him?

Ask yourself, Did I get off track somewhere? I’m not talking about checking off a list of good deeds - I’m talking about your real relationship with your Father.

Just like in any relationship, the only way to know someone is by spending time with them. You can know of someone, but to know them deeply requires closeness.

Jesus said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.” That’s what He desires, friendship.

Take inventory of your time this year. Was it filled with busyness or purpose? Noise or intimacy?

The Bible reminds us in Haggai 2:9, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former.” That means what’s ahead can be better than what’s behind — if you trust God with your time.

As we unwrap the newness of time in this very moment a day you and I have never seen before, fresh and unspoiled ask yourself, how will I choose to manage it going forward?

Will you use it to serve, to grow, to listen, to rest?

Will you give God your mornings again? Your evenings? Your yes?

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Time teaches us to value what lasts, to treasure what matters, and to live each day as a gift.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of time. Forgive me for the moments I’ve taken this precious gift for granted. Forgive me for rushing through seasons instead of resting in Your timing. Today, I surrender my time back to You.

Thank You for how Your faithfulness carried me through 2025. You have been my strength, my peace, and my keeper. You remained consistent even when I fell short.

Holy Spirit, reveal any area of my life that is consuming my time but not producing fruit. Strengthen me to make the adjustments that will honor You.

In this new season, help me to steward my time well. Teach me to use my days for Your glory and to align my plans with Your will.

Redeem the moments I wasted, Lord, and help me to walk in wisdom, balance, and grace. May my time bring You honor and draw me closer to You each day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.