“Why am I here?” Most people ask that question at least once in their lives. I’ve asked it several times over the years. As a Christian, I find that the best way to find your purpose in life is through finding your purpose in God.
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What Does Finding Your Purpose Mean?
Many of us are searching to find our purpose. Rick Warren has several top-selling books all about living a life of purpose. When we start, we first need to ask what finding your purpose means? And what does it mean to find the purpose for your life?
One explanation I’ve heard for finding your purpose is this: Why do you get up in the morning? It’s such a simple question, with an infinite amount of answers. Each of us will answer it differently.
Beyond that question, it gets a little deeper. Why do you do those things? It all comes down to meaning. We want our lives to have meaning. We want it all to be worth something, and we want to feel as if we matter.
What’s Different About Finding Your Purpose in God?
Feeling like you matter and your life has meaning is important for everyone. We all want to know the meaning of our lives. Having a relationship with Christ has also given me a new perspective on finding my purpose. I want what I do not only to matter to me and those people around me. But I also want it to matter to Him. I want the green light from God that says, “Christy, you’re on the right track!”
If we look in the Bible, we can easily see that God has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
This verse tells us that not only does God have a plan for us, but it’s a GOOD plan! A plan to give us hope for the future ahead. So if I’m looking for God’s will while finding my purpose, I’m sure to be on the right track!
Why Do We Struggle to Find Our Purpose?
With so many people out there trying to find our purpose, we should have it all figured out by now, right? But we all know that’s not the case. The fact that we are still searching shows that many people are still trying to figure out their purpose in life. You’re probably reading this post because you have questions about your purpose.
Many of us are trying to find our purpose as a career. This is a great idea and will work for some people. But your job is not always your purpose in life. Sometimes it’s just a way to pay the bills.
I also believe that a person’s purpose can change over the years. Being a wife and mother has always been a big part of my purpose in life. But now that my kids are grown, my purpose as a parent has changed. So your purpose in God (and in life in general) may change as you grow.
How to Find Your Purpose in God
Most of us are searching for our purpose in God. Finding our purpose takes time and commitment. It can be super frustrating and hard! I know it has been for me, but it has definitely been worth it. Here are 6 steps I’ve found helpful in finding my purpose in God.
Spend Time In Prayer for Purpose and Direction
One of the first habits I started when finding my purpose was to start my day with God. First I brew my coffee and find a quiet place to sit down and read my Bible. After that, I spend several minutes in prayer.
When talking to God, I always begin with praise, followed by the needs of others. Then, I go on to my own special needs. Daily, I give him my hopes, dreams, and desires.
Spending time daily praying for purpose and direction has helped me to grow closer to Him. It has also made finding my purpose easier. James 4:8 puts it perfectly, “Draw close to God, and God will come close to you…” (NLT)
What Does the Bible Say About My Purpose in Life?
Bible reading is always included in my prayer time. I like to read a passage and then pray about the way the text can be applied to my life. This method has helped me learn a lot about what my purpose is and what plans God has for my life.
The entire Bible can be used to apply to finding your purpose. But there are several verses that are specifically written to us and finding our purpose. Jeremiah 29:11, which I shared earlier, is one of my favorite verses on the topic. Here are a few others.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28.
“…God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…” Romans 12:6.
“…Our purpose is to please God, not people.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Use What Brings You Joy to Find Your Purpose
God has given us all different gifts. He’s given us unique dreams and desires in our hearts. When finding your purpose in God, it’s essential to use these gifts and dreams to serve Him.
Take a minute to think about it. Think about your strengths and your dreams. What are some things you spend time doing that brings you joy?
For me, one thing that brings me joy is music. I love how songs can bring out certain feelings and emotions in us. Since this brings me so much joy, I like being involved in music ministries at church. Singing with the praise band and helping with children’s music is a wonderful way for me to use this skill.
I also like to write, but I never thought I had the time to do it consistently. A few years ago, I felt God telling me it was time to write again. Starting this blog has been a natural outlet for my writing. It’s also inspired me to work on other forms of writing.
Figure out what brings you joy, and then find a way to serve to do that. If you’re using your gifts to serve others, you’ll be living in the purpose God has for you!
Play to Your Strengths When Searching for Your Purpose in God
Another step to finding your purpose in God is by playing to your strengths. God has given you at least one spiritual gift. Using this gift will help you live out your purpose.
The parable of the talents is a great example of using your strengths. In Matthew 25 there’s a story of 3 servants who were given talents (a type of money) to use in doing their master’s work. The servants were each given a different amount, based on their specific skills.
The two servants who were given more of these talents invested them and ended up earning more income for their master. But the servant who was given only one talent was scared. Instead of investing, he buried the talent in the ground.
When the master returned, he was pleased with the two who had invested. But he wasn’t happy with the one who buried his one talent. He called the servant lazy, took his talent from him, and gave it to one of the other servants. Then he had the lazy servant thrown out into the dark.
My point is this: even if you haven’t found your purpose yet, you can still do something. Using your strengths now might also help you find your purpose.
Ask a Trusted Mentor to Help You Find Your Purpose
Another way to find your purpose is to get the opinion of someone you trust. This can be your parents, minister, or another mentor you have. This person might see some strengths and skills in you that you don’t see. Seeking an outside perspective is great to help you find your purpose.
Even though you might be more comfortable asking a peer, I would suggest you don’t at first. Since a mentor is someone you look up to, they will have a unique way of looking at your strengths. They have probably seen you develop into the person you are, which will give them a different way of looking at you that can help when finding your purpose in God.
Fill a Need While Finding Your Purpose
If you’re still working through finding your purpose, you don’t have to just sit there and wait. Chances are, you won’t have that lightning bolt, earth-shattering revelation from God about your purpose. But there are still things that need doing, and needs that need to be filled. While figuring out your purpose, you can fill one of these needs now.
In the kids’ movie “Robots” one of the main characters lives by the motto of “See a need, fill a need.” This motto can’t be applied to everything, but it can be applied to you while finding your purpose. If you see a need, and you’re able to help, then fill the need. It might just lead you into finding your purpose.
Find Your Purpose in God Through the Greatest Commandment
You might be working to find your purpose in God for many years. And your purpose might change as you age and grow. But there’s one purpose we can all do now, and that’s by following the greatest commandment Jesus gave us.
In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked by a religious expert what was the greatest commandment in the law. The beginning of His answer made sense to the teacher: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” (Verse 37)
But the second part of His answer, which he said was equally important, took it a step further: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Verse 39) This was a new concept to the religious leaders in Jesus’ time. Sadly, it’s still a concept we struggle with today.
Even if you’re still searching for your purpose, one way to start is by following the greatest commandment Jesus gave. Loving God with all your heart, and showing that love to those around you, is your purpose in God. It’s the main purpose for all of us who have accepted Jesus as our savior. You can’t go wrong loving God and loving people.
Blessings,
I love this. SO important to find your divine purpose.
I agree! Plus it’s much more difficult than you would think. I’ve been searching for over a decade.
And now you are going to be speaking at the Relay for Life! We are so proud of you for many things–most of all for the the Christian mom and wife you are!
Thank you, it means a lot! 🙂
There is a greater plan! You will inspire many with your writing.
I am thankful for that greater plan!
Great thoughts, Christy! I love the revelation from God about writing and sharing your story. I have had many of those heart to heart talks with God about His Plan and my blog too.
Thank you! It’s great to hear from other people who have talked through it with God.