Searching
Story 1:
“When I think about earth and space, the universe, and humanity, it’s impossible for me to think that we got here by an accident. Which means I am not a mistake. But I don’t know what my purpose is. If my existence was not by chance, then shouldn’t I be doing something important with my life? Why does each day look basically the same, then? The work, the driving, the time of day I eat, what I eat, the people I talk to and what we talk about, the shows that I watch, bed time. Repeat. How long will this go on? When will I step into my design, my purpose, the reason for my life?
Or am I meant to simply live like this until the day I die?”
Story 2:
“I have this fear that, I will never find the meaning of life, no matter how hard I try or how long I search for it. Worst yet, I will never find the meaning of my life. I’ve tried to be open to all the religious points of view, and I can’t say that any of that has lead me to a place to where I feel any closer to the truth. I know I’m a good person. But I don’t feel in my heart that I know for sure that that goodness has bought me any favor with God, if there is one.
Maybe the meaning of life is the searching. If it is, then this is all a giant disappointment. I have no intention of toiling for the rest of my life. I want to know what it’s all about. Is that even a possibility?”
Q: What will ultimately satisfy our soul?
A: We are created in God's image for relationship with him. Being in that relationship is the only thing that will ultimately satisfy our souls…Augustine summarized it this way: ‘You [God] have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.’[1]
Q: Why is nothing else in life fulfilling?
A: Nothing else in life is fulfilling because God designed us to be completely fulfilled by Him. It is the way we are wired. Everything else leaves us wanting.[2]
Q: How can I begin a relationship with Jesus?
A: Jesus wants us to know Him and to experience His love, joy and peace. When we ask Him into our lives, we receive His forgiveness, and we begin a relationship with Him that's meant to last forever. Jesus said, "I stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him (or her)."[3]
If this is now the desire of your heart, the following is a suggested prayer (but the words aren't as important as the attitude of your heart):
Dear God, I confess that I have sinned against you. Thank you for taking all of my sin upon yourself on the cross. I want to receive your forgiveness. I want to enter into a relationship with you. I ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. Please give me the real life that comes only from you.
Q: How can I cultivate my relationship with God?
A: We come to know God better by praying to Him, reading the Bible, and going to a Bible believing church. It takes time and consistency to know the Lord more, just like any relationship. You can be sure that if you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).[4]
[1] Author Unavailable, “What’s My Purpose in Life,” Every Student. http://bit.ly/1M5QUa6. (Accessed January 22, 2015)
[2] John G., “Real Life: Fulfillment,” Every Student. http://bit.ly/1zJWaJL. (Accessed January 22, 2015)
[3] Author Unavailable, “Knowing God Personally,” Every Student. http://bit.ly/1GkpSgQ. (Accessed January 22, 2015)
[4] Author Unavailable, Every Student. “Knowing God Personally,” http://bit.ly/1GkpSgQ. (Accessed January 22, 2015)
For those who have not yet trusted in Jesus:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
For those who have trusted in Jesus:
Psalm 31:14-15 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
For anybody:
Psalm 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
