Why So Little Time?

TIME. We may find it difficult to define the word precisely, but we certainly know that we never seem to have enough time. We also know that it goes by quickly. In fact, we often sigh, "Time simply flies."

Nevertheless, it is evident that the English poet Austin Dobson came closer to the truth when he noted in 1877: "Time goes, you say? Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go." Since his death in 1921, Dobson has been gone for almost 80 years; time has continued .


Time in abundance

Of mankind's Creator, the Bible tells us: "Before the mountains themselves were born, or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God." (Psalm 90:2) Or as The New Jerusalem Bible renders it, "from eternity to eternity you are God." So time will last as long as God himself lasts-forever!

In sharp contrast with God, who has an eternity of time at his disposable, we read of humans: "For all our days have come to their decline in your fury; we have finished our years just like a whisper. In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; for it must quickly pass by, and away we fly." -Psalm 90:9, 10.

Why is life today so short, since the Bible clearly teaches that God's purpose is for man to live forever? (Genesis 1:27, 28; Psalm 37:29) Instead of an unlimited life span as God has purposed, why do humans on an average have, at best, less than 30,000 days? Why do humans have so little time? Who or what is responsible for this sad situation? The Bible provides clear and satisfying answers.

Next time: Ever Less Time

Watchtower, 1999