Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Purpose of Life


I use to feel so lost and alone in the world. I still feel like that sometimes, but not like I used to be haunted by it. The main reason, I believe, people feel lost and alone is because they are without purpose. What is the point of life? I have wondered, and heard many wonder the same.

There have been so many emotional ups and downs over the course of my life, and when I got saved, I think I thought that my purpose would get focused and clear, but my Christian walk has proved to be more complex and challenging in the area of "finding my purpose".

I have made all the lists and journaled my hobbies, interests, talents, etc. over the years trying to get clearer more focused direction, but I end up in the same place-- feeling lack of focus and all over the place. The bottom line is that purpose is not found in fulfilling some career or trade, ministry or profession. Having a home life that meets a picture fantasy, the perfect relationship, or right amount of children. The purpose of life isn't wrapped in anything on the earth. Its such a simple truth isn't it? This has been my meditation this week:

"Jesus said to him, 'you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:37-38 NKJV


The greatest purpose in life is wholehearted love for God. Easy to know, difficult to understand. I feel like I know all the right words and IHOP-isms, but I still don't understand what it really means to be "wholehearted". Every time I feel like I have given myself fully to God, I see areas I am lacking in love. He tenderly and simply reminds me that the highest calling and purpose He had for me is to be the one He is looking for. He is not looking for a successful ministry, perfect family, or up and rising business, He is looking for a lover of Himself.

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthened those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV)


- gina