May 8

“He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” —ECCLESIASTES 3:11

A survey taken a number of years ago at York University in Toronto found that 45% of first year students read their astrological signs, and 20% had made at least one decision in the past year based on their horoscope. While the Bible clearly forbids this activity, what these surveys point to is a deep need for people to find significance and direction to their lives outside of themselves. 

There is something inside us that longs to be known and to be significant. Over 80 times the Psalmist says that God loves me, cares for me, and knows me; that I am significant to God, and that He has plans for me – plans formed in His heart before I was born. None of us is an accident at birth. We were all conceived in the heart of God long before we were conceived in our mother’s womb. We are not just little dots on a tiny planet; however, our lives have the longevity that James describes as ‘a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes’ (James 4:14).

In the time we are given on earth, how do we find meaning and significance to our lives? King Solomon was blessed with wisdom and nearing the end of his life he makes this profound statement: “God has set eternity into the hearts of men”. We have an inherent desire to go on living forever, and God has placed that desire in us for very good reason. It makes us examine our lives, question why we’re here and where we’re headed. That prompts us to look to something much greater than we are; something outside of ourselves that is in control, and will give significance and purpose to our lives.

God created us with the intent that we would live with Him forever, but when Adam and Eve sinned, He withdrew His Spirit from humankind. We were never meant to live apart from our Creator. Left to our own devices, we are destined for failure, but in His love for us, God provided a way back to Him through Jesus Christ. It is in knowing God and knowing Jesus that we can make sense of this world and of our lives. We are all loved by God and precious to Him. Our significance, purpose and meaning in life are abundantly met in Jesus, for He created us. Trust Him for this and see where that takes you.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am grateful that You have placed eternity into our hearts. It has drawn me much closer to You, and I am filled because of You. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: In coming to know Jesus, how has my life been given significance and purpose?