For some the question, Why am I here?, may bring about discomfort and uncertainty. Whereas, for others the question may bring about great comfort and certainty. For most of us, this question may leave us feeling somewhere more in the middle. Wherever you are on the spectrum of knowing why you are here, my hope is that you can find some additional confidence and direction from the verses and insights that were laid upon my heart to share today.

I will try to keep it simple and address where I find comfort centered around 5 key thoughts:

1) Be a Reflection of Him

In Genesis 1: 27 (NIV) it says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them: male and female he created them.”

How comforting to know that God created us in His own image! We are a direct reflection of Him! To me, this is the basis of why we were all created, to live our lives in a way that reflects His image!

2) Do His Work and Take Care of His Creation

In Genesis 2:15 (NIV) it says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Even in the beginning God had a plan. He set us in motion for a simple purpose, to work in God’s kingdom and take care of the amazing creation that he had formed. Basically, I am here to do His work and take care of His creation.

3) He Began the Work in Me and He Will be Faithful to Complete it

In Philippians 1:6 (NLT) it says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Additionally, in Romans 8:28, it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

For me it’s truly a comfort to know that God created me to do good work and He is there walking alongside me faithfully to ensure that His good work is completed. I am assured that I can prayerfully and faithfully follow God’s direction and allow God to do his good work to be accomplished through me.

4) Love God and Love Others

In Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) it says, ³⁷ Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I appreciate how God also keeps it pretty simple for us in terms of what His expectations are for us. For me this adds clarity for my existence and helps me to maintain my focus by simply loving Him and loving others to the best of my ability.

5) Have Faith and Trust Him in all Circumstances

In Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV) it says, ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Additionally in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) it 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.”

Again, I am reminded that it is through Him and by His plans that I was created for a purpose. I may not always have complete understanding of the paths that He brings me on, but if I stay grounded in my faith, and trust him with my whole heart He will make my paths straight and His plans to prosper me and give me hope and a future will be accomplished.

So, why are you here? As you ponder this question and the story of your life thus far, it is my hope and prayer that:

• Others can see His reflection in you
• You are doing His work and taking care of His creation
• The good work He began in you is being completed
• You find yourself loving God and loving others to the best of your ability
• You are keeping the faith and trusting Him in all circumstances

Photo by Mark Fletcher-Brown on Unsplash