Why Am I Here? Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Life
Have you ever wondered, “Why am I here on this earth? What is the purpose of me being here?” I think most of us have asked those questions at one time or another in our lives. As we enter this fall season this year, many people wonder, “What is the point of me being here?” How can we know what our purpose is?
God’s Intentional Design
The Bible is very clear that we are not here by accident, no matter what people may have told us. Psalm 139 tells us that God made us, He “formed us in our mother’s womb.” The author of this Psalm praises God for the fact that he is fearfully and wonderfully made by Him—and that is not insignificant! We are not here just to exist. God has a purpose for each and every one of us on this earth, that’s why He made us. You are wanted here and needed here! You are a creation of God with a unique purpose (WhitakerHouse.com).
Seasons of Growth & Questioning
So, what do we do about this and how do we find out what our unique purpose is? That’s what I want you to think about as you read this article. We are all born with a clean slate as a baby with great potential and growth. Our moms and dads make sure we receive good nutrition, are raised in a safe environment, and as time passes, given opportunities to learn and grow. Most of the time, that potential is fostered and developed as we mature. Then as time passes, we begin to think on our own, we make choices from the options we are given. We work hard so we can see the fruits of our labor, whether in our job, in our home, or even in ministry.
Usually, at some point in our lives, we ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this? What purpose is there to all of this time and effort I am putting forth?” And that is a good question.
Discovering Purpose Through God’s Word
God tells us that we are created by Him to glorify Him with our lives, no matter who we are, no matter where we are, or what our status in life is. We can find that purpose by asking the Lord to show us what that purpose is. And how do we find it? By spending time in God’s Word, and by praying and asking God to show us. When we base our lives on what God tells us in His Word, our purposes are defined and clarified.
I was not raised in a Christian home, and as an adult, I was confused as to what my purpose might be in life. So many people said so many different things were the most important things to do and be, and most of them did not agree with one another. But when I received Christ as my personal Savior and Lord, He showed me what was true and what was not about what is important in life. It gave me purpose—to love Him and to tell others about who God is and how much He loves each and every one of us.
Living with Intentionality
So now, I have found my purpose, and now I make intentional decisions about what I say and do. I ask myself, “Why this? What does this represent?” If what I am doing or saying does not honor God in some way, it is time to back away from those words or activities. I have found that this is not a “one and done” process. Sometimes difficult decisions must be made. Do I need to move forward with what I think is something important and is it honoring to God? If it is not, then I must back away or shut it down. If what I am saying, thinking, or doing represents what I want to really stand for, then I move forward with all my might. Even then, I must be careful to continually seek God’s will as I go forward. It is way too easy to lose sight of the purpose that God has for me in this life.
Seek First, Find Purpose
There is a verse in Scripture that states, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) When we seek God first, He guides our steps and reveals to us how we can live out the incredible purpose that He has for each and every one of us.
St. Johns Women’s Counseling & Therapy: Discovering Purpose — A Practical Path
A gentle, practical 8-step plan from a counselor at St. Johns Women’s (faith-friendly and evidence-informed). Each step includes a tiny exercise you can do right now.
Opening
We’re created on purpose (see Psalm 139). Purpose grows when we pay attention to God, our strengths, and the small seeds we plant day by day (Matthew 6:33). Use the plan below as a gentle rhythm—not a test.
Step 1 — Ground & Gratitude (5–10 minutes daily)
Sit quietly, breathe 4 in / 6 out.
Write 3 things you’re grateful for today (big or small).
Quick prompt: “What grew in me this week?” (harvest of gratitude)
Step 2 — Strengths Inventory (15–20 minutes)
Make a list: 5 strengths / skills / gifts you used in the past year.
Ask: Which of these energize me? Which feel like service? (these point to purpose)
Step 3 — Values Check (20 minutes)
Choose your top 3 values (e.g., service, creativity, family, justice, healing).
For each value, jot one real choice you can make next week that honors it.
Step 4 — Plant 3 Small Seeds (3 actions)
Pick 3 small, measurable actions (daily/weekly) that align with your purpose.
Example “seeds”: volunteer 1 hour/week, write one gratitude note each Sunday, try a new class.
Make them specific & time-bound.
Step 5 — Try a 14-day Experiment (14 days)
Practice one “seed” for 14 days. Track wins (even tiny ones).
Reflect on how it felt and whether it moved you toward your purpose.
Step 6 — Accountability
Share your purpose statement with one trusted person or a support group.
Step 7 — Spiritual Practice & Reflection (weekly)
Read and reflect on one short Scripture verse (e.g., Psalm 139, Matthew 6:33).
Pray for clarity, then journal one insight. Repeat weekly.
Quick journaling prompts:
“What do I love so much I’d do it even if I weren’t paid?”
“Who am I when I feel most like myself?”
“What seeds have taken root this year?”
If you feel stuck or overwhelmed:
Contact St. Johns Women’s Counseling & Therapy for a 20-minute clarity call.
Free Community Event: Pumpkin Patch of Purpose
As you reflect on purpose this season, remember that God created you with intention and planted within you seeds of growth. Sometimes we just need space to pause, give thanks, and rediscover the clarity He provides. That’s why we invite you to join us for our upcoming workshop, Pumpkin Patch of Purpose, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Together, we’ll paint pumpkin-inspired canvases, share in guided reflection, and leave with a 14-day plan to live with greater intention. Seats are limited, so reserve your canvas today and take this step toward discovering the purpose God has designed for you.
