4 Classic Books To Help Discern Your Purpose In Life
~ Today’s Scripture Art and Book Reviews were designed to help you write God’s Word on your heart. ~
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So what do you want to do with your life?
This question can cause anxiety at any age – whether you’re trying to decide what to do after high school, or contemplating a career change, or wondering how to fill your retirement days.
Most of us have given that question some thought at least once or twice in our lives, but is that even the right question to ask?
Shouldn’t we be asking: What does God want me to do with my life?
Let me guess. You’re rolling your eyes and thinking: Of course I want to do what God wants me to do, but … but … there are so many buts.
I know. I’ve been there too.
And don’t worry. I’m not going to give you a trite answer and send you on your way. But I am going to suggest some books that have helped me tremendously in this area – and the order in which I think you should read them …
4 Classic Books to Help Discern Your Purpose in Life
1. The Bible
If you’ve been around this blog for more than a minute, you had to already know the Bible would be first! {grin}
Don’t be one of those people who doesn’t open the “owner’s manual.” We should refer to it first when making life decisions.
When pondering the “what” to do with our lives, let’s start by understanding the “why.”
Colossians 1:16 (ESV): All things were created through him and for him.
We were created for God.
So whatever you do in life, make sure it fulfills that.
End of story.
Just kidding. (But honestly, it could be.)
I know, I know – you want more details. So, let’s start with the book of Colossians, which is full of advice on what to do with your life.
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): … walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 3:23 (ESV): Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
These are just a couple of examples to get you started. I urge you to dig into all 4 chapters of Colossians.
Then read Philippians, Ephesians, and 2nd Timothy. Then just keep on going, because the whole Bible is chock full of direction on what to do with your life.
Ephesians 1:9 (ESV): making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
2. Experiencing God
Want a roadmap to detail your exact path to your purpose in life?
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby (which I have mentioned before HERE and HERE – because it’s that good) will take you there. Finish it, and you will know without a shadow of a doubt what path to take.
Hint – John 14:6 (ESV): Jesus said to him, “I am the way …
Since we are made for God, our first priority should be our relationship with Him, yes?
This Bible study compiles and explains all the Scriptures roadmapping what your relationship with God should look like on an everyday basis. It will teach you how to experience God.
Another hint – “God is more likely to call you to follow one day at a time than He is to spell out all the details before you begin to obey Him.” (see Genesis 12)
You can either read this one as a book or even better, as a Bible study workbook.
3. The Purpose Driven Life
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren answers the question: What on earth am I here for?
This book had me at the introduction when it stated, “The best way to explain God’s purpose for your life is to allow the Scripture to speak for itself, so in this book the Bible is quoted extensively, using over a thousand different verses …”
Over a thousand? Now that is my kind of book!
It’s divided into 40 short chapters that cover five biblical purposes for the Christian life.
This book delves into how we were designed to fulfill a purpose and how we won’t be satisfied until we work toward it. “Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, or other externals – hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in your heart. You think, maybe this time it will be different, but it doesn’t solve your real problem – a lack of focus and purpose.”
For answers, the book takes this approach: “The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God. God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess. He has clearly revealed his five purposes for our lives through the Bible.”
Ephesians 5:17 (NLT): Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
4. Cure For the Common Life
While the previous books paint broad (but important) strokes about your purpose in life, Cure For the Common Life, by Max Lucado, will guide you to your personal sweet spot …
“What engineers give sports equipment, God gave you. A zone, a sweet spot, a region, a life precinct in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in His jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sense when you find your spot. […] You have one. A divine spark. An uncommon call to an uncommon life.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT): A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
Not some of us. EACH of us.
This book will guide you through steps to “extract your uniqueness and kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you. And do so to make a big deal out of God.”
1 Peter 4:11b (NKJV): If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
I have no doubt that these four books will spark renewed excitement when you attempt to discern your purpose in life – and I sincerely hope you do. I have read them all cover to cover (most of them more than once) and highly recommend them. They have been around for a long time, but there is a reason for that! The information is timeless, beneficial, and worthwhile.
Psalm 33:11 (ESV): The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
So get going – and let me know – I can’t wait to hear what God wants you to do with your life!
*My prayer for you is … that this blog will inspire you to open your Bible every single day to seek God’s face and write His Word on your heart – because HE’S the key to lasting heart change!
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