Finding Your Footing: Finding Purpose in a Changing World

By Ilyana Sithole

In the tumult of daily life, it is simple to become disoriented from our true north. Work pressure, family pressure, and the fluid landscape of our world can cause us to feel lost and ask ourselves, “What is my purpose?” This most ancient of questions, dating as far back as humanity itself, resounds within our hearts, demanding an answer.

The quest for purpose is not one of sweeping motions, but rather one of elegantly subtle introspection. It starts with an acceptance of the profound desire within us, the desire for something greater than the transitory sparks of pleasure. It’s learning that we were made for something, a specific place in the grand tapestry of life.

The scriptures guide us along the way. Jeremiah 29:11 is a reminder, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It is a verse full of hope reminding us that even lost, God is implementing His plan.

Moreso, Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This underscores that we should pursue our dreams based on a confluence with what God wills. We do have dreams we want, yet fulfillment will happen when we abandon ourselves to an ultimate end.

Discovering one’s purpose would typically require:
* Reflection: Spending some moments of silence considering our values, passions, and abilities.
* Service: Serving others, giving our talents to those in need. As Matthew 25:40 tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
* Faith: Believing God is leading us, even when we don’t know the way.
* Prayer: Talking to God, asking for wisdom and direction.

It is during such quiet moments of reflection, serving, and believing that we start finding the strands of our calling, knit them into a life of significance and success.

Let us bow our heads and Pray:
Heavenly Father, I come before you seeking your guidance. Life is turmoil and I must know what am I to do with you. Enlighten my heart to understand your purpose and impart knowledge in me to behold your plan in me. Lead me to serve mankind with the talents you endowed me with, and be content to be within your eternally laid out plan. I have faith in your love and an eternally hopeful promise future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here are some Affirmations you could use this Week:
* I am made for a purpose.
* I believe in God’s plan for my life.
* I will serve others through my talents.
* I am willing to find my true calling.
* I will find purpose in every day.