Eternal Purpose

Another year is well on its way, and it seems as if time flies faster and faster with each passing year! We have entered a new decade, and it seems like the other day when a new century began in the year 2000. Our understanding is limited to years, decades and centuries, but our key scripture refers to a mind-boggling concept – eternity.

Eternity is a concept we probably will never be able to fully grasp with our limited understanding. The dictionary describes it as ‘time that never ends’. This definition in itself already seems flawed. The very essence of time would suppose a beginning and an end. In other words, time has fixed boundaries measured in seconds, minutes, and hours. Time can be measured. But eternity? Eternity is boundless!

The scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has placed eternity in the hearts of people. This makes us unique from any of God’s creation. There is a deep need inside each person to know what their purpose is. There seems to be a knowing that this life is not all that we were created for. This would explain why people will go to great lengths to accomplish things in their lives, and to seek meaning to their existence, always searching for more.

But note what Ecclesiastes 3:11 says. ‘He (God) also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds’. God is the Author of eternity. He is the One who plants within us that ‘sense of purpose working through the ages’. But more importantly, this verse tells us clearly that nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy this sense of purpose.

Outside of God we will never be able to complete and enjoy our true purpose. We may try to fill that desire for significance with excelling at our career, our hobbies, our social interactions, or whatever else we feel will give us a sense of worth. In itself there is nothing wrong with these, but when that alone becomes the yard-stick we use to measure purpose, significance and worth, we set ourselves up for disappointment. We were created to live in relationship with the One who is eternal, the One who designed us and formed us and also placed eternity within us. He has a unique purpose, tailormade, for us to walk in, and it comes to fulfilment only in relationship with Him.

I cannot fathom the concept of eternity with my finite mind, but there is something deep within my human spirit that has a sense of belonging and knowing that this life it not where it ends, and I have a divine purpose right here and now. There is more. Times of worship and connecting with God bring a sweet contentment that cannot be found in any given activity or experience. God has placed eternity within us. He is the One who satisfies – He alone.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You created me with a beautiful purpose in mind. Thank You that I get to discover this in sweet companionship with You as My Creator and Lord. I know that only You can satisfy the yearnings of my heart. Please forgive me for the times I have sought for fulfilment outside of You. Amen.