Profitably Using Down Time

by Matthew Bohin, Men's Residence Hall Supervisor

We read a very insightful prayer in Psalm 90:12. Moses writes, “So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.” The Lord calls each of us to wisely and carefully use the time he allots.
 
If you’re a normal human being, I think you can spot the problem. How do we use the time God has allowed when we’ve done every possible thing we can think of? By this time in your Coronavirus isolation, you’ve probably played monopoly more times than you’d like to admit, scrolled endlessly through social media sites countless times per day, and have had more family time this week than you had all of February combined.
 
What should you do with all this time? Before giving some suggestions, let me point you to a resource which I’ve found immensely helpful for organizing my time. The book is entitled Do More Better by Tim Challies. On his website, you’ll find a section of free “Bonus Material” which provides helpful worksheets for godly productivity. You’ll find some of his thinking in my suggestions below:
 
So, what should you do with all your free time? Here are four practical suggestions:
 

1. Focus on your known responsibilities. List known responsibilities and diligently focus on those. Your list may include homework, house chores, work obligations, or church functions. Before saying you’re bored, focus on the known tasks.
2. Work on a “dream” list. A “dream” list will consist of projects or goals you’ve wanted to accomplish for a while. God has seen fit to give us a period of free time. Why not use it to accomplish goals you’ve always wanted to achieve? For instance, you may have always wanted to learn a new skill (juggling anyone?). You may have a desire to learn a new language or read about a new concept. Perhaps there are health goals you’ve wanted to reach? Before saying you’re bored, engage that “dream list.” You may never have time to fulfill it again.
3. Reach others. Although this period of time may be challenging, we are still obligated to fulfill the Great Commission. At a basic level, are you building and fostering redeeming relationships with your family? At the same time, why not use your social media accounts to reach others who are separated from you by distance. Your church, your friends, and your family need you reaching into their lives at this time. Before saying you’re bored, seek to reach others.
4. Spend time with your God. Above all else, use this free time to deepen your relationship with God. In all reality, you may never have this much free time again for the rest of your life. We won’t regret the hours we spend in prayer, but we may well regret the hours we spend scrolling aimlessly through technology. Before saying you’re bored, diligently pursue your God.

 
On rare occasions in life, God opens up massive amounts of free time for us to use for his glory. Number your days by planning to use the time for his glory!