Even though the Bible does not define time, it does speak of time as a reality. To start with, the Bible tells us that God created the “luminaries”​—the sun, moon, and stars—​as time markers, to “serve as signs and for seasons and for days and years.” Many events recorded in the Bible are firmly placed in the stream of time. (Genesis 1:14; 5:3-32; 7:11, 12; 11:10-32; Exodus 12:40, 41) The Bible also speaks of time as something that we should use wisely in order to be in line for God’s blessing of an eternity of time​—the prospect of living forever.​—Ephesians 5:15, 16.

In the first century, there were some who apparently felt that God should have fulfilled his promises sooner. They had become so impatient that they even considered God to be slow or late. On this account, the apostle Peter had to remind them that God’s view of time is quite different from ours. Peter writes: “Let this one fact not be escaping your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.”​—2 Peter 3:8.

According to this way of figuring time, an 80-year-old person has lived only about two hours, and all of mankind’s history has lasted only about six days. When we look at things from this perspective, it becomes easier for us to understand God’s way of dealing with us.

God, however, is not indifferent to time. On the contrary, he is very time conscious. (Acts 1:7) Peter, therefore, goes on to say: “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Unlike humans, God does not feel pressured to do things as if time were running out for him. As the “King of eternity,” he has a marvelous overview and can determine when in the stream of time his actions will do the most good for all involved.​—1 Timothy 1:17.