If you had all the time in the world, what would you do? All too often the common complaint of man is that there isn't enough time in a day, or that they are too busy. Many times, these complaints are expressed with a sense of dismay as persons would really want to devote time to the Lord. What if a scenario was created that would prevent you from being able to work, attend social activities or even go to your favourite chill out spot...would you spend some time with the Lord then?

In 2020 a bizarre thing happened; suddenly, more than half the globe had more free time than ever before. Many caught up on much needed rest, some took the time to finally do a course they had always been interested in, others took time to spring clean. How much of this new found time however was spent with God?

The pandemic that spread across the globe, resulted in entire countries enacting laws permitting persons to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary. Once outdoors they would he required to wear personal protective equipment and sanitize themselves frequently.

The fear factor, drove many to recommit their lives to Christ. Some contacted long lost friends and family members to catch up and address tensions from the past. It was a time of reconciliation and soul searching for many, while others worked grueling hours on the frontlines in hospitals and witnessed firsthand the toll of the pandemic.

What would YOU do if you had all the time in the world? I suppose the Christian thing to say would be...spend more time with God. Spending more time with God? What exactly does that look like? Some research was done, the following are the most popular responses with regards to how people spent their time:

• Read the bible and pray

• Learn new worship songs

• Witness to colleagues through social media

• Read inspirational literature

• Enter into a series of fasting

These are all great ways to foster a better relationship with our Father. Children have a particularly annoying habit of probing...asking questions to learn something new, especially with their parents. Constantly asking: who, what, where, when, how and oh my the WHY? Many parents however appreciate that the child comes to them with the questions and not someone else.

Off topic? Not really. The relationship we should strive to perfect is the one between a father and his child. Unfortunately, the value placed on this type of relationship has diminished over time. Jesus however is our perfect example.

Master. When Saul was on his journey to Damascus, he had an encounter with the Lord. So bizarre was his encounter, that he had to inquire who it is that he was speaking with..."I am Jesus whom thou persecutest". (Acts 9:5) It was upon this revelation of Jesus Christ that Saul was converted. He then sought to build a relationship with the Lord by spending time in isolation with Him and thereby being enlightened.

Paul saw himself as a prisoner of Christ, not by any means helpless but rather completely surrendered to the will of God for his life. Paul noted that he was the chief of all sinners for what he had done in persecuting the early church. That zeal that was once used to persecute the church would now be used to fuel his mission of leading souls to Christ.

It might very well be possible to be in a crowd and have the feeling that you are by yourself. So it is possible to spend time with the Lord around others. There is no better time than that spent alone with the one you love. Lover. "My meditation of Him shall be sweet" (Psalm 104:34). King David, a man after God's own heart, the great psalmist. As a lad enjoyed being alone with the Lord...and his sheep. It was written that David blew kisses to the Lord and had frequent conversations during his time out in the fields. What further cemented David's love for the Lord was his testimony of all that the Lord had brought him through...and David had been through a lot! It is in these moments of reflection that David was able to pen absolutely beautiful pieces about who God had been to him and by extension to Israel as a nation.

Friend. Abraham too, went through a conversion. His however, was one of turning from idols to serve the true and living God. Abraham's relationship with the Lord was of such that when it came to Sodom, the Lord felt compelled to tell "his friend" what he would be doing as he knew the impact the destruction would have on him. Abraham responded with the news of the impending destruction by pleading with the Lord to not destroy the city of Sodom as his nephew would have been lost. This is significant, as it shows the level of conversation that Abraham had with the Lord; truly showing the depth of the relationship. The Lord is sovereign! He is mighty, all seeing, all knowing, all powerful...yet still mindful of his friend.

So, what would you do if you had all the time in the world? Let us spend some time alone with God today.

"Alone with God, the world forbidden,

Alone with God, O blest retreat!

Alone with God, and in Him hidden,

To hold with Him communion sweet."

Sources: The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/a/l/o/alonegod.htm) Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (490)