A Purposeful Life

traceyoakey
Sep 28
8 min read

“A journey of Faith,

Hope, and Purpose”

When we reflect on the phrase "a purposeful life," what do we conjure up in our minds? What does it feel like to live a life of perpetual fulfilment? Take a moment to pause and reflect!

Upon deep reflection, are we truly living our lives to the fullest—reaching our full potential? Or are we merely dreaming of what might have been or could be? What gives depth to our lives? Is it intention, mindfulness, or purpose?

How do we discover meaning in every sphere and moment of our mortal existence? Are we actively living with intention—pursuing a purposeful life rooted in God’s divine purpose, design, and plan for us?

Jeremiah, a priest and major prophet in the Old Testament, served during the turbulent final decades of Judah, Israel. His prophetic voice carried both warning and hope. His words had the power to uproot and tear down, but also to build and plant. Jeremiah’s message was a divine call to repentance—a warning to the people of Israel to turn back to God amidst their rebellion and spiritual decline.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

“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.”

We are often reminded by this scripture that our Heavenly Father’s intention for our lives is to be fulfilled and enriched with His purpose, hope, guidance, and assurance. Even when we don’t know what’s best for us, God does. We may not always see clearly what lies ahead, but He sees the full picture. Our role is to trust in His plan and embrace the purposeful design He has for each of us.

Jeremiah 29 reminds us that God is in control of our lives. Our Heavenly Father is the chief architect—designing our lives with careful precision to shape us into who we are today. We have the choice: to follow God’s plan or to pursue our own, which can often lead us into confusion and difficulty.

Even when our circumstances feel uncertain or challenging, this scripture reassures us that God's intentions toward us are always good. His plans are filled with hope, purpose, and a future. We are invited to trust in His divine design, knowing that He sees what we cannot.

Our purposeful existence is not defined by our circumstances, but by God’s reassuring promises over each of us. This divine purpose manifests through His spoken ‘Rhema’ word or His written ‘Logos’ word—the gentle unction’s that stir within our hearts.

These moments encourage us to trust in God’s timing and look forward with confidence, anchored in assured faith. It’s a gentle reminder: we are not forgotten. He sees you. He hears you. Each of our lives carries deep meaning, shaped by the plans and purposes God has lovingly designed for us.

~Finding meaning in every moment.

Choosing intention over impulse.~

We can begin to live with the art of finding meaning in life. How? By intentionally walking in our Heavenly Father’s will—living with purpose in our thoughts, behaviours, and belief systems. Are we simply doing our own thing, drifting sideways—further away from our calling, destiny, or divine purpose? These are the questions we must ask ourselves daily. We must keep Jesus at the centre—the core of who we are and who we long to become more like Jesus.

As Jesus said:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,

and all these things will be added to you.”

— Matthew 6:33

This verse reminds us to prioritise God above all else—to place His kingdom and righteousness at the centre of our lives. When we do, everything else we need will follow in His perfect timing.

Living intentionally rather than impulsively helps us make thoughtful, Spirit-led decisions. Instead of reacting emotionally, physically, or spiritually, we can choose to pause, reflect, and pray. In that quiet space, we ask: “Is what I’m doing aligned with God’s will?”

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.”

This verse encourages us to surrender our limited perspective and trust in God's wisdom. Intentional living means inviting God into every decision making, keeping Him at the centre of our thoughts, actions, and beliefs.

Living a purposeful life means choosing actions that reflect our values and belief systems, rather than following trends or peer pressure, which may lead us to do or become something we were never meant to be. We are reminded in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the patterns or behaviours of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Through this transformation, we are able to discern the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

Is our purpose rooted in God’s purpose?

Our journey is not just about moving forward -it’s about moving forward with meaning. It’s choosing to trust in our Heavenly Father, believing that He has a plan for our lives, even when the path ahead feels unclear -like unchartered waters. We are called to seek His guidance daily; in every decision we make -whether big or small. By allowing His word to shape and direct our steps, as we align ourselves with His divine purpose. Intentional living means surrendering control and walking in faith, trusting that God sees the full picture even when we cannot.

Can we sometimes become hyper-focused on the things we want, rather than on what our Heavenly Father desires? Hyper-focus can be a powerful tool when it aligns with our calling—such as ministry, studying Scripture, or serving others.

Colossians 3:23 reminds us:

“Whatever you do, work heartily,

as for the Lord and not for human masters."

We can channel our focused energy into developing the gifts God has given us, using them to glorify Him and bless others.

Let’s also consider how hyper-focus can become harmful. For example, it can lead us to neglect our families, relationships, or responsibilities. What begins as a passion can subtly shift—our icon can easily become our idol. Are we unintentionally elevating our pursuits above God? Are we placing our own endeavours above His best for us—or for others?

Knowingly or unknowingly, we can lose sight of God’s voice. When we become overly focused on our own goals, we risk drowning out the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, this path can lead to burnout or even obsessive tendencies. Even good things can become distractions—or even harmful—if they begin to overwhelm or consume us.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that “there is a time for everything." Discernment and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit are key to living a purposeful, balanced life.

So how do we know if we’re hyper-focused? Ask yourself:

Does my focus or intention draw me closer to God—or does it subtly pull me away from Him? Is this pursuit aligned with God’s will, or is it driven solely by my own ambition?

These questions help us discern whether our focus is spiritually healthy or potentially misaligned. When our goals are rooted in God’s purpose, they bring peace, clarity, and fruitfulness. But when they stem from self-driven ambition, they can lead to distraction, disconnection, and even burnout.

Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.

The Lord has made everything for its purpose.

Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to commit our works to the Lord, with the promise that our plans will be established. But that raises an important question: “By whom?”

This verse invites us to entrust our plans, efforts, and daily actions to God. When we seek His guidance and dedicate our work to Him, He promises to guide us and bring our plans to fruition—according to His divine will.

True success and direction come not from striving in our own strength, but from thriving through alignment with God’s purpose. His wisdom far surpasses our limited understanding, and His timing is always perfect.

When we commit our works to the Lord, we’re not just asking Him to bless our plans—we’re surrendering them, trusting that He will shape and establish them in ways that reflect His goodness and glory.

Let’s put some context in how this works:

When we're considering a career change or searching for a new job, it's natural to feel uncertain, anxious, or even overwhelmed. You might wonder: Am I making the right choice? Is this the right time? So, how does Proverbs 16:3 apply here?

How Do We Commit Our Plans to the Lord? Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established." But what does that look like in practice?

1. Commit before You decide before making any decisions, we are called to consult God—through prayer, seeking His wisdom, and asking for clarity. It’s not about asking Him to bless our plans after we’ve made them, but inviting Him into the process from the very beginning.

2. Seek Alignment with His Will. Ask: Does this path align with my core values, spiritual gifts, and the purpose God has placed in my heart? When our plans reflect His design for us, they bear much fruit and bring peace. Alignment with God’s will ensures that our efforts are not just productive, but purposeful.

3. Trust the process and the outcome. Even if the journey takes longer than expected or looks different than we imagined, we can trust that God is establishing our steps. His timing is perfect, and His plans are always for our good. Sometimes, the detours are divine. Trust that He is working behind the scenes to bring about what is best for you.

When we commit and surrender our plans to God, we can experience deep peace and inner confidence—knowing our tomorrows are safely held in His hands. We’re no longer chasing personal gain or ambition; instead, we’re inviting our Heavenly Father to shape our journey.

By trusting that His will, will establish our plans, we rest in the assurance that what unfolds will be for our good and for His glory. Our lives become a testimony—not of our striving, but of His faithfulness.

Takeaway…

Let’s live out our days with full potential—deeply rooted in faith, service, and intentional living, aligned with God’s will. Spend time discovering who you truly are: a child of God, created with intention and love. Live from a place of grace, knowing that you are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Do we dare to believe, God has a unique plan for each of our lives—whether in ministry, family, work, or community. Walk daily with Him through devotion, prayer, and Scripture. Stay close and connected to the One who created you. Obedience and trust are the keys to a purposeful journey. Even when the path seems unclear, trust God’s promptings and leading. A purposeful life looks beyond the temporary and invests in the eternal.