“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV).
One of the best selling book of all time is “The purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren formerly Senior Pastor of the 30,000 member US based Saddleback Church. The book which has sold over 50 million copies and translated into all major languages starts with the question, “Why am I here on earth for?”
Warren goes on to clarify that we were created for God’s pleasure; formed for God’s family; created to become like Christ; shaped to serve God and, made for a mission. It is an interesting book that has changed many lives, helping to focus them for something greater and fulfilling, beyond the mere ordinary.
If there is a life we can appreciate that had purpose was that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compared to the average life span of 70 years the 33 years of Christ pale, yet in terms of impact, they outscore almost any. Because He knew His purpose was for God’s pleasure Christ started his days by talking to God ( Mark 1:35). Empowered, he would spread out in his vocation of preaching and teaching God’s word.
One of the defining aspect of someone who has found their purpose is priority. Because he was aware of his priority in life, Christ knew where to focus his time. Like any place there were distractions that He could have easily drifted into, of whatever nature, but that was not the case, as He prioritized what he was up to.
Today, you may start by asking yourself, “Why am I here on earth for?” Psalm 139:13-14, says: “ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. And Jeremiah 1:5, says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Once the truth dawns on you that you are not an ordinary creation merely passing by, then find your purpose and priorities your choices as Christ did.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that knowing the purpose of my life was to please and serve you, so help me prioritize my way of life, so as to be most effective in serving you, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
Related upcoming events
-
02/05/2024 - 03/05/2024 All day“That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10)
We all crave to be blessed in life. But was there a believer who was so blessed beyond any circumstances without experiencing some sort of discomfort, in one way or another! A person may apparently be blessed in every single way yet have one troubling matter that constantly drives him down to his knees.
The one mightily blessed with riches may have a family situation that leaves him ever on edge. Someone who seems to be at the height of his profession may be living with an ailment that keeps him ever on tentacles. The one blessed with abundant health might from time to time be dealing with financial woes.
Why do such troubling situations plague even believers? One explanation could be found in the Apostle Paul’s life. Called into ministry and endowed with many gifts, including amazing revelations from above, yet he had a matter that constantly drove him on his knees. “Therefore in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me” (2 Cor 12: 7).
Paul would often cry out to God to free him of this particularly troubling matter. But the Lord came back with, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor 12: 9).
The comfort of this lesson is that God is completely aware of whatever might be ever troubling us. Moreover, it could be purposely there, that we constantly place our faith in Him, other than relying on our strength and resources, especially as He blesses us in other uplifting ways.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that whatever matter is constantly troubling me, I know it is for a purpose and you are in total control, to bless me even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
