Life has a meaning/purpose!
According to the Bible, the meaning of life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. The Bible also says that God created a plan for people to grow, live by faith, and return to live with him one day.
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life
Here are some ways the Bible describes the meaning of life:
Know God
The Bible says that the meaning of life is to know God as he is and enjoy him in Christ.
Reflect God’s light
The Bible says that the meaning of life is to reflect some of the light that God has shown to us through Christ’s death.
Love God and others
The Bible says that the meaning of life is to love God completely and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Be an ambassador for Christ
The Bible says that Christians should be ambassadors for Christ on earth, sharing the gospel and showing God’s love for humanity.
Find your purpose
The Bible says that people can find their purpose by seeking a personal relationship with God, obeying him, and trusting that he has a plan for their lives.
Yes, we often get lost in the humdrum of daily living. But, what does it all mean? Waking, working, eating, talking, sleeping….???
These shares are very merely my practicing what I said I would do if and when I woke up from my ‘dream‘ after the accident.
Rather than dwell on what occurred a decade ago; I am drawn to what occured thousands of years ago! The Word of The Creator was in huMan form murdered for a myriad of causes. The example of just how to live to be… yes, we fall so many times, but we are encouraged to stand and walk!
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …”
Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV)
I can know in my being, that God is looking down at me, saying, “I’ve given you everything you need. Just stand.” Ephesians 6:13-14 declares, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …” My heart is encouraged as I remember these truths:
- No matter how unqualified I feel for the tasks set before me, with God I am well-equipped.
- No matter how fast I seem to be sliding down the slippery slope of this thing called life, with God I am not in despair.
- No matter how overwhelming the situations of life feel, with God I am not drowning.
Friend, God has given us everything we need to stand victorious against the enemy’s schemes. All we have to do is stand. Stand on His Word. Stand on His promise that declares we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NIV). Stand on the command of Jesus to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Stand on the truth that He will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV).
Let’s declare it with our mouths and believe it in our hearts. After you’ve done all you can, just stand!
Lord, even though I get easily overwhelmed by the things of this life, I thank You that You are always there, that You never leave nor forsake me. I pray that I will be reminded continuously/continually that through the power of Your Word, I am well-equipped for this journey You have prepared for me. No matter what comes my way, may I stand on Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If I had known then what I now know, everything would be so very different!
– Life is short.
– Life has a reason.
– We are here for a purpose.
– The life we live is just a brief beginning to ‘forever.’
– ‘Time’ is a huMan concept. In the spiritual, there is no ‘time.’ Occurrences yes. ‘Time’? No
Time is only relevant to human existence for communication purpose between folks at the same time /space zone.
Time is a huMan concept in physical science, widely used to denotes velocity and speed in moving objects especially in physics or other scientific fields of study.
HuMan conceptual time starts once a person acknowledged death is approaching. He anticipates the remaining years and days be still alive and breathing on the face of the Earth.
During a Man’s life ‘time’, he/she is repeatedly told ‘time’ frame in His-story (we exist in God’s Story!) and science; and most of us deeply believe to be living in a objective time zone which is in fact subjective relevant to individualistic psychological experience.
He feels time is tight and too short when he is in a hurry to beat the deadline to accomplish something. He feels time is slow when he is in pain or suffering. When he is in happy mood, time flies.
Time is mainly a psychological sensation, but confirmed to be a consensus understanding.
In the Bible, in Matthew 8:29, demons ask Jesus, “Have you come here to torment us before the ‘time’?” The full quote is, “And behold, they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? Art Thou come hither to torment us before the ‘time’?'”. This now means so very much to me! The concept of ‘time‘.
The concept of time with God is complex and has been interpreted in different ways by philosophers and theologians:
God is ‘time’-less
Some believe that God is ‘time’-less and outside of ‘Time’, and that God’s Existence is without limit and can not be limited.
God is Omnitemporal
Others believe that God is omnitemporal, meaning that God experiences temporal succession in His being, but His metaphysical ‘time’ is distinct from our physical ‘time’.
God is in His own ‘time’
Some believe that God is not within our ‘time’, but He is within His Own ‘Time’, and His ‘Time’ is completely distinct from ours.
God Created ‘Time’
Some believe that God Created the ‘Time’ dimension of the Universe, and therefore could Create other ‘time’ dimensions as well.
God acts in ‘time’
Some believe that God acts in time, executes decrees in time, and has relationships with His creatures who are bound by ‘time’.
Some ways to spend ‘time’ with God include:
Quiet ‘time’: A dedicated time to connect with God, often involving prayer, Bible study, worship, or journaling
Reading the Bible: Asking God to speak to you through the pages of the Bible
Prayer: Thanking God for being your Heavenly Father, and praying for your needs and those of others
Silent prayer: A way to listen and receive from God, by calming your mind
In essence, had I been aware of what I now know; my ‘life’ would have been so different! But, I ask (and essentially know) that everything happens for a reason!
If you know your purpose and feel prepared, but need a plan to start walking in it…
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. ~Proverbs 16:3 NIV
- Father, give me clarity of direction so I can plan my next steps according to Your will and not my own.
- Lord, I trust You to provide the financial and other resources I need, and the patience to wait, or wisdom and creativity to move forward, as You lead me.
- God, lead me to connect with trustworthy like-minded people who will support me in the ways I need most to move forward.
If you are trying to walk in your purpose, but obstacles are hindering your progress…
If you’re struggling with doubt hindering your clarity or forward movement, I invite you to walk through my YouVersion 5-Day Bible Reading Plan, “Banish Doubt: Dare to Live Out Your Purpose” to support you in
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9 NIV
- Lord, give me wisdom, strength and provision to overcome the internal and external obstacles to the next steps on my journey.
- God, show me how You are leading me to learn and grow in this situation so that I can be more effective as well as bring you glory.
- Father, give me patience to wait on You to reveal Your wisdom on when and how I move forward, as well as who or what I need to help me in this situation.
If you know your purpose and have already started the path to fulfill your calling…
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21 NIV
- Jesus, help me to reflect your love and humility, as well as the Father’s will, in all of my choices and interactions with others to bear much good fruit.
- God, lead me to effectively balance my time, energy and resources between fulfilling my purpose and other priorities in life.
- Lord, make me sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide me in what You want me to do next on my path of purpose.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Pray specific and practical prayers for purpose and direction as you progress in pursuing your God-given calling. Ask God for what you need on your path. Seek His will to find purpose and direction. Knock on spiritual doors to open earthly ones to move forward. Consistent and intentional prayer, action, and partnership with God will help you to effectively explore, discover, grow into, and fulfill your purpose to transform your life and make an impact on those you are called to serve.
Whether you’re still seeking your purpose or you’re already clear about your calling, the choices you make in how you spend your time can affect your clarity and progress. If you’d like a simple structured tool to help you discern whether your current commitments or future opportunities are aligned with your path of purpose, you’ll love my free resource for you, Purpose Alignment Checklist: 7 Reflections to Align with God’s Purpose for My Life. You can download your checklist here and begin to move closer to discovering or fulfilling God’s specific purpose for you.
https://liveinspiredbypurpose.com/practical-prayers-for-purpose-and-direction-in-your-life/