The Power of Living with Purpose

 

Living with purpose is powerful. Not having purpose is chaotic. As Mark Twain famously said, the two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Some, of course, think life has no meaning and is fundamentally chaotic. Others claim that life has meaning and that living for a purpose is important (read more on the Meaning of Life in A11). According to the Bible, we were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14; E22),created in the image of God (Genesis 2:7) and created for good works, prepared by God before we were even born (Ephesians 2:10). Scripture does not advocate a preexistent soul or some form of reincarnation. Rather, there is an omniscient (all-knowing) creative God who made us with purpose and design. He has good plans for us, plans for peace and welfare, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Living with purpose is powerful. You must find your 'why' in life.

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Psalm 89 starts with a declaration of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness (vv 1-2). God is love and delights in His creation. He abhors evil and has called us to do good. This is part of our worship of Him (Psalm 33; E23). God's faithfulness is manifested in His covenantal nature (Psalm 89:3-4). When He declares something, He is faithful to keep His word (e.g., Isaiah 14:27; 55:10-11). God's people are called to declare the praises of God on earth (Psalm 89:5). He is incomparable and unique (vv 6-8). He rules the sea and calms the storms (v 9) and is powerful over His enemies (v 10). All things are His (vv 11-13). He founded all things with righteousness and justice as well as with lovingkindness and truth (v 14). These characteristics express His nature. God is righteous and benevolent. All his divine attributes and values should guide His people as they live for the purpose of their Creator. There is joy, strength and protection for God's people (vv 15-18).

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God's Covenant with David

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The ​covenant God had made with David (see 2 Samuel 7) was to continue for generations (Psalm 89:3-4). David and the people of Israel were to be blessed, protected and last for generations (vv 19-29). Although many big empires and powerful nations have tried to eradicate David's descendants, the Jews are still here. They are God's people. Even when God's people fail to keep His Law, there would be consequences, yet God would not abolish His covenant with them (vv 30-37). Jeremiah spoke similar words (31:31-34). But at times, God's people greatly suffered (Psalm 89:38-45). The psalmist turns to God with a plea to remember that his life is short and that it cannot be that he was created for vanity (vv 46-48). He calls on God to show him His former lovingkindness, in view of God's promises to David (v 49). Life isn't always fair or easy, but God has given a promise on which we can rely!