How to Find Fulfillment and Meaning in Everyday Life

With the economy causing financial pressure on so many families today, as well as, the stress of always being politically correct in our business dealings so as not to offend anyone, sometimes the world seems a pressure cooker. It can be difficult to find meaning in everyday life when the society in which one lives requires one to violate ones conscience in order to continue to pursue one’s own life, liberty, and happiness.

Everyone is indoctrinated into a world of consumerism in the United States from the time they are old enough to watch ads on television. As a child, I remember the newest toys would be advertised starting in November on all the Saturday cartoon networks. It is all in an effort to motivate children to put them on their Christmas lists. Parents would then in turn purchase them from the stores and they would wind up under ones Christmas tree. Everyone learned that new things make one happy, and so the economy grows. As one ages and become adults the stakes become much higher. It is no longer about toys, but about a big house, new cars, boats or campers and entertainment items. It continues to grow into the pursuit of everything in greater quantities, the more, bigger and better the happier one should feel. Right?

Wrong! It could not be further from the truth. The more one obtains the more one wants in an inescapable cycle. All the while one becomes more and more unhappy as the newness of an item wears off and one is still paying the bills. Depression sets in as one tries to cope with escalating debt for all the items purchased that no longer bring pleasure. So, how then do we find happiness, fulfillment, and meaning?

It is not that hard, in fact it is very simple. Know Jesus. That is right, Jesus is the answer not more things. Here is how everyone can have a meaningful life filled with happiness:

1)  Live one’s life assured of the fact that the Lord is coming. 
He has promised everyone that he will come back and justice will prevail. In Revelation 22:12 it states: Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done.

So, do not harbor angry feelings toward others, justly or not, for it is not our place to retaliate for those injustices. “Vengeance is mine.” said the Lord, so do not let those feelings take over your minds and hearts. Do not dwell on the past, live in the present, and look forward to the future.

2) What one does is not nearly as important as for whom they do it.
In Ephesians 6:7-8 it tells us to: Render service with a good attitude as to the Lord and not for men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive it back from the Lord.

One does not have to get satisfaction from men for they are not whom we should be working for. Nevertheless, do all things for the Lord as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.

We must stop living only for ourselves and look further than our immediate circle of self, family, and friends. Make everything one does into an opportunity to worship God. I had a customer once who was very hard to work for and sometimes was unpleasant. The only way I got through that job was to give it to God, who knew I was doing my very best. I removed the customer from my mind and continued to work as if God was my customer, in worship to Him. Needless to say the job when much better and the customer was pleased when everything was finished.

3) Except any situation, you are currently in as if given to you personally from the hand of God.
Everything that happens to someone whether perceived by him or her as good or bad comes from God himself. Every situation will teach one something they need to learn to become a better person, and a closer refection of the image of God. Not every situation one will have to bear will be a good one. Job’s faith was severely tested by God. His lot was not a pleasant one, but he learned a great deal from it and in the end, he had this to say in Job 42:1-6: I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted. You asked, "Who is my counsel with ignorance?" Surely, I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said," Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform Me." I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore, I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes.”

It was through trials and tribulations that Job was able to be nearer to God. Just as problems and tragedy drew Job closer to God, they can do the same for everyone and if used for this purpose it will help everyone as well.

4) God is glorified through us the most when we bear fruit.
When times are the toughest and one acts in a Christian way (like the examples above) one can make a huge difference in the way people around oneself view Christianity. When one remains happy and content in spite of the trials and tribulations one is going through people want to know how one does it, and what is at the center of one’s internal peace and serenity. They may even approach one personally to ask, this provides a perfect evangelistic opportunity to witness for God. That is ones purpose here on earth, to glorify God in all we do, to all who see us and witness in hopes of sharing our faith and passing on God’s grace, hope and love to others. We are God’s ambassadors here on earth.

You see, life really is not about us or what we can obtain in the way of material goods, as the secular society wants us to believe. However, it is about Him, Jesus Christ who gave his life for us. God's only son whom will come for us one day soon, therefore, live your life for Him. Your life will be happier, contentment will become the norm, and life will be worth living, no matter what circumstances one is dealing with at the time. God loves us all and wants nothing more than our commitment and love; in return, we gain eternal life in paradise with him.