Finding Purpose in Life

Saturday, July 20, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”

Psalm 118:14-17

In May of 2019 the Journal of the American Medical Association reported on a study that has been going on since 1992. Beginning that year, and each year since, the Health and Retirement Study interviews adults in or near retirement age. By following these people from year to year, and by adding new participants to the study over time, they are able to track the factors that have the greatest impact on the lives and health of thousands of people. They summarized their key finding this way: “A growing body of literature suggests that having a strong sense of purpose in life leads to improvements in both physical and mental health and enhances overall quality of life.”

What is true in retirement is true throughout life—those who have a definite purpose and goal in life tend to lead happier, healthier lives than those who do not. Every child of God is gifted differently, and there are many avenues through which we serve Him. But no matter the role or roles we play, no matter the talents or abilities we have, and no matter what our physical limitations may be, there is one thing that every living Christian can do—praise God.

When we recognize the importance of bringing glory to God, we understand that we always have an important purpose in our lives. No matter what we can or cannot otherwise do, we can always praise Him. “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 104:33).

Today's Growth Principle: 

There is no higher purpose for a Christian than to praise and glorify God.