Let God give you meaning #preaching

The NJ Podcast

let God give you meaning

Consider for a moment the ocean in the midst of a storm. The waves churn, the wind howls, and the waters seem chaotic and without purpose. But beneath the surface, even in the heart of the storm, deep currents are moving with purpose, directed by forces unseen. This is a powerful picture of how our lives may seem chaotic and devoid of meaning on the surface, but beneath the surface, God is working, guiding us with purpose and intention.

Our guiding scripture today is Jeremiah 29:11, "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 hope and a future." This verse reassures us that God is the architect of our lives, infusing our existence with meaning and purpose even when we may not see it.

When we look at the life of Moses, we find a man who doubted his purpose. A prince turned fugitive, he found himself in the wilderness, a shepherd with no greater purpose than to care for his father-in-law's sheep. Yet, God had a plan. It was there, in that wilderness, that God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and revealed his divine purpose: to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

In his confusion and doubt, Moses questioned God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). But God assured him, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). Despite his doubts and hesitations, Moses allowed God to give his life meaning and purpose beyond his wildest dreams.

This is also echoed in the New Testament by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This passage emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives, and letting Him direct our paths and provide the meaning we seek.

These stories remind us that God is the giver of purpose and meaning. If we, like Moses, let God into our lives, we will find a purpose far greater than anything we could devise on our own. Even if, like the ocean in a storm, our lives seem chaotic on the surface, we can trust that beneath the surface, God's plans are at work.

Let us pray:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have a purpose for each one of us. We acknowledge that sometimes we do not understand Your plans, but we trust in Your wisdom and Your love for us. Help us to seek You first in everything we do, and guide us in the path that You have laid before us. Give our lives meaning that transcends our understanding. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

Now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and evermore. Amen. So go forth, knowing that your life has divine meaning and purpose. Even in the midst of the storm, God's plan prevails. Amen.