I’ve done a LOT of different things in my life hoping to be able to say my life matters. That I “made a difference” and impacted the world for good. Ultimately, we probably all have that desire somewhere in us, to varying degrees.
But how do we know we matter? How can we believe we’re made for a purpose and that our days on this planet mean something?
I confess, there’s a lot of days when I look back and say, “did I do anything worth doing today? Did my life matter? Did I waste hours, days or even years doing something that had little to no eternal value?” This verse haunts me: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul?”
Into these questions, and the question of religious duty and following Jesus, God speaks to us in Luke chapter 12:
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
He says, “I know you so intimately that I know how many hairs you have. And how many fell out today. And that little pain you’ve been having in your foot. And the shame you feel about what you thought last week. And the pain you feel about that part of your life that isn’t what you hoped it would be.
He feels and knows and sees it all.
We matter because we matter to the King and Creator of the entire universe. He will not leave us alone or forsake us. He desires our flourishing and our ultimate eternal joy and life, with him. So today, whatever doubts you’re facing about your worth, value, purpose and meaning, take it to God. Ask him to show you his love and care. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. And in that love, resting in him, he will gently lead us into purpose, and it will be exactly what it needs to be, by his grace.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Joel
