Many of us struggle with a sense of hopelessness and meaninglessness. Those without jobs can easily feel that their lives are pointless; those with jobs can easily feel that life is just a meaningless round of work, with no time to enjoy anything. Without a sense of purpose and destiny, our humdrum existence can very quickly spiral into depression and even despair, making gratitude and thankfulness apparently impossible. ‘What have I got to thank God for?’ people will say. If life is mere existence, then we can feel we would rather not exist.
The Bible teaches us that we are made in God’s image and for Him: ‘all things have been created through him and for him.’ (Col 1:16) It teaches us that ‘we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ (Eph 2:10) This gives purpose and meaning to our lives beyond our earthly jobs, beyond our human relationships and beyond our own understanding. Being God’s creation, loved by God and made for Him, gives us a reason to live.
