Finding Purpose: Our Hearts' Desire to Matter & God's Plan

Have you ever felt that quiet pressure to be seen, to be remembered, to make your life count in some meaningful way? Or perhaps you've looked at the brokenness of the world and wondered, "What do I even do with this as a believer?" We're diving into these very questions this week, exploring how our desire to matter and our response to a world that feels wrong are profoundly impacted when we truly know we are fully known by God.

The Deep Need to Be Remembered

We recently discussed our human desire not to be forgotten, to leave a legacy. It's a natural inclination, one that many of us might breeze past, thinking it's not "spiritual enough." But as we delve into Psalm 139, particularly verses 17-18, the psalmist David marvels at the sheer volume and preciousness of God's thoughts about him:

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18

This isn't just a fleeting thought; it's an intimate, constant presence. This core human desire for significance, to be remembered, to be known and loved, isn't inherently bad. In fact, it's a God-given desire. The challenge arises when we distort it, seeking that validation from the world instead of from our Creator.

Earthly Recognition vs. Eternal Validation

It’s tempting to chase after earthly accolades—titles, praise, the limelight. We build lives that scream our uniqueness, striving to fill that dash between our birth and death dates with accomplishments the world will applaud. But as Glenna Marshall reminds us in Known and Loved, "The urge to matter is nearly primal. We want people to notice our endeavors, but what should matter most is that God notices. We want people to see our service, but it matters more that God sees. We want people to know we lived and loved and worked, but what is more important is that God knows about every moment contained within that gravestone dash, and it matters to him." His thoughts are what truly count, not the fleeting admiration of man.

Our dearest desire, as followers of Christ, should be to meet our Heavenly Father and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." This isn't about perfectly avoiding mistakes; it's about humbling ourselves when we do, running to Him, not away from Him, and allowing His perfect love to transform us. He isn't "bad at loving us" because of our sin; His love is perfect, capable of both executing justice and extending boundless mercy.

Responding to a Broken World

This renewed understanding of God's perfect love and knowledge of us profoundly shifts how we react to the world around us. In Psalm 139:19-22, David's words feel jarring after the beautiful adoration:

Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. Psalm 139:19-22

These are known as imprecatory psalms—prayers asking God to enact His righteous judgment. As New Covenant believers, we are called to love our enemies, not hate them. This creates tension. However, when we pray "Come, Lord Jesus, come," we are, in a sense, praying an imprecatory prayer. We are asking for Him to return and vanquish all that is evil.

But our response shouldn't be rooted in fear or anger. Instead, when we are secure in Christ, we respond from a place of belonging. We pray for the salvation of those who are lost, for their hearts to turn to God. We grieve the sin in the world, recognizing that righteous anger stems from a heart of love—love for God and love for His creation. We don't wish for swift condemnation, but for repentance and redemption.

Justice and Mercy: The Heart of God

God embodies both justice and mercy perfectly. Sin requires judgment, but for those who believe in Christ, there is mercy. We are called to embody this truth as well, walking in both truth and love. We cannot be indifferent to evil, but neither can we harden our hearts to those caught in its grip. When we prioritize God's eternal perspective, we view even the most challenging situations through the lens of His desire for all to come to repentance.

Our identity in Christ shapes our entire response. It brings humility, reminding us that we, too, were once lost. We grieve what's wrong in the world without becoming hardened, remaining tender-hearted and praying for the salvation of others. As Glenna writes, "We have climbed up and seen the harbor views of God's wondrous character and his steadfast care for our souls. So we must long for all the world to see him as he truly is... We should hunger for the day when King Jesus, the righteous, comes to set things right for good."

Reflection Questions

1. Where are you currently striving to be seen or remembered by others?
2. What would change in your daily life if you truly believed God sees you, knows you, and delights in you?
3. How is God inviting you to respond differently to the brokenness or evil you see in the world around you?
4. Consider the people you surround yourself with. Do they encourage you in your walk with Christ and help you cultivate an eternal perspective, or do they pull you towards earthly validation?