16 - Pursuing Purpose

Day 16: Something Difficult about Your "Lot in Life"

& How You're Working to Overcome It

Victor Frankl and Sigmund Freud had differing theories about what motivates people... Freud proposed that the underlying goal behind all we do = seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, while Frankl countered that what we are actually seeking is a deep sense of meaning, and when we struggle to find that meaning and purpose, we distract ourselves with pleasure.  
As is often the case, I'm inclined to disagree with Freud. God created us for purpose! I think we are all desperate for meaning, to live fulfilling lives that will matter and help others and leave a legacy behind. And the idea that we distract ourselves with pleasure when a real sense of purpose eludes us makes complete sense to me based on my own experience.

Over and over, Ecclesiastes tells us that everything under the sun is "meaningless," that life here on earth is a never-ending pattern that is often unfair and sad and senseless, and most of what is done here has no lasting value. With the things I see in the courtroom, I certainly understand the truth of that, but Ecclesiastes has never been my favorite book - mostly because I look to the Bible to snap me out of that mindset rather than to confirm it. The goal of the book, as far as I understand it, is to remind us to  look outside our selfish desires and pursue things with eternal value, to fear God and obey Him so that we make the most of our time on earth...

What I find most difficult about my lot in life is holding on to a sense of divine purpose. I often over-identify with the "everything is meaningless" concept, and thus, feel uncertain about what to pursue and talk myself out of possible avenues toward living with more purpose.  Then I end up "distracting myself with pleasure," ie excessive food and TV!

I am definitely working to overcome this tendency, and I believe I'm improving.  I'm becoming more hopeful about future possibilities, which is a huge step in the right direction. I'm also praying and trying to re-define how I view purpose -- not putting it in a ministry-only box. Sometimes we want legacy for our own sake, so I'm trying to make sure I focus on God's glory and not my own, on genuinely helping people and building relationships rather than trying to build my own name. It's a process, but I'm moving in a healthy direction, so I'm thankful for that!

"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing."
~Psalm 143:10