30 Bible Verses That Talk about Time

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. … A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” – Psalms 90:2,4

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’” says the Lord God, “‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” – Revelation 1:8

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” – Mark 13:32-33

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:16,18-19

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.” - Psalms 144:3-4

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalms 100:5

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” – 1 Timothy 2:5-6

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6-7

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:6-8

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.’” - John 17:1

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

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23

“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” – Psalms 31:15

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” - James 4:13-15

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” - Proverbs 27:1

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” - Matthew 6:27

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.” – Isaiah 26:4

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” - 1 John 2:17

We can view time in a biblical way by thinking of it in light of eternity, as God does. That perspective motivates us to use our time for what has eternal value, rather than wasting it on activities that aren’t truly important.

The most effective way to inspire ourselves to manage time well is to keep looking for examples of how God is working in our lives. God’s timing is always perfect. The more we notice the wonder of God at work accomplishing eternal purposes in our daily lives, the more we’ll feel a sense of awe that will help us use time well. In my book Wake Up to Wonder, I describe how wonder has the power to change our perception of time and frees us to be fully present. Our regrets about the past and worries about the future fall away like broken chains when we encounter wonder. During awe-inspiring experiences, we focus on enjoying and learning from what’s happening now. In the process, research I explain in the book shows that our sense of time expands. That frees us from worrying about time pressures and helps us view time according to what matters for eternity.

Conclusion

Bible verses about time reveal that we don’t need to be concerned about having enough time, despite the time pressures we sometimes feel. Whenever our schedules are causing us stress, we can seek God’s eternal wisdom for how to use our time well. Then we can adjust our schedules according to what matters most from an eternal perspective. We can also rely on God’s perfect timing as he works in our lives day by day – and be inspired with wonder along the way!

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