Time Management and Planning: The Biblical Way

The more I study the Bible, the more I realize that the Bible has everything we need. Recently I was getting very frustrated and telling my wife ," I just have so much to do, but not enough time". As I began to pray about my frustrations, GOD told me that my issue is not with time, my issue is bad planning and time management. If I would spend more time planning I would be able to manage my time better. So I had to sit back and take that gut punch (knowing Hebrews 12:6 ....the Lord disciplines the one he loves...) and think about how much easier things would be if I took more time on planning. With our busy lives, a lot of us wish we had more time. The Bible gives us wisdom on how to manage our time and make plans that align with God’s will.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Here we are reminded to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. Time is precious, and we need to be intentional with it. GOD calls us to be diligent, not just in our spiritual life but in every aspect of our daily living.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead to profit  as surely as haste leads to poverty.

This verse shows us that thoughtful planning leads to success, while rushing or acting without care can lead to missed opportunities or even failure.

So, how do we balance it all?

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

This means that we need to be aware of the right time for each activity, not cramming everything into one day but spreading tasks out with a GOD-centered focus.

We should plan with humility and always consider God’s will above our own desires. We should surrender our schedules to Him, acknowledging that we don’t control the future.

Here are 3 simple helpful steps for planning:

  1. Pray and Plan with GOD: As you plan your day, week, or even year, pray and ask GOD for guidance. Let Him lead your steps.

  2. Prioritize: List out your tasks and prioritize them according to what will honor GOD the most.

  3. Be Flexible: Understand that your plans may change, and that’s okay. GOD’s plans are always better!

Time management and planning are not just practical skills but spiritual disciplines. When we submit our schedules to GOD, we invite Him to lead us in every moment, making our time on earth truly meaningful.

Let's Pray: Dear Heavenly Father , thank You for the gift of time. Help me to manage it wisely and make plans that honor You. Guide my steps, and teach me to align my schedule with Your will. Let me be diligent yet humble, always ready to adjust my plans according to Your perfect purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.