Finding Our Why in God's Grand Design

    You know, sometimes we get so caught up in the routine of praising God through songs and prayers that we forget how powerful it can be just to take a moment and pour out our praise from the depths of our hearts. It's like, our lips move, and the melodies swell, but do we really pause to think about what we're saying? So, I tried something different the other day. I just stopped. Stopped and really thought about how thankful I am for everything God does in my life, how He's been my keeper, my sustainer, and honestly, how He's the one holding my whole world together.

    It got me thinking about how everything in this world, including us, was created with a purpose. I mean, we're not just here to mindlessly scroll through our phones or veg out on the couch with some Oreos (although, let's be real, Oreos are pretty great). But seriously, God didn't create us to just go through the motions. He's got this whole purpose thing figured out, and everything He does is with intention.

    Like, have you ever thought about how everything - and I mean everything - was created through Him and for Him? That's some pretty heavy stuff to think about. It means that you, me, the person next door, we're all here for a reason. And that reason? To glorify God. To make our lives a constant, living praise to Him. It's not just about the big moments or the days we're feeling particularly holy. It's about glorifying Him in the little things too, like how we choose to eat, drink, or even how we decide to buy a house.

    But here's the kicker - it's not just about giving God the glory because He demands it. It's about realizing that everything truly good and perfect comes from Him. So, when we praise Him, when we give Him the glory, it's not out of obligation. It's out of recognition that He genuinely deserves it. I mean, have you ever seen something so beautiful or experienced a moment so profound that you just knew it had to be God? That's what I'm talking about.

    Now, I've got to be honest, sometimes I've wondered if God was a bit, I don't know, self-centered? Wanting all the glory and praise? But then I realized, it's not arrogance if it's true. If everything good truly comes from Him, then who else would deserve the credit?

    But here's where it gets really personal. God didn't just create us to sing His praises and call it a day. He wants us to know Him, like really know Him. And not just know about Him, but to have this deep, personal relationship where we get to experience His love, His grace, and even the power of His resurrection in our lives.

    And when you start to get to know God like that, you can't help but want to introduce Him to others. It's like discovering the most amazing secret and knowing it's too good to keep to yourself. But here's the thing, sharing God with others isn't just about saving their souls (although that's huge), it's about wanting them to experience this incredible joy and peace that comes from walking with God. Because let's face it, life can be tough. We all go through valleys, face trials, and deal with heartache. But knowing God, really knowing Him, changes everything.

    So, I've been challenging myself lately. Am I living out the purposes God has for me? Am I glorifying Him in everything I do, getting to know Him more each day, and helping others do the same? It's a tall order, but when I think about what God has done for me, how He's been there through thick and thin, it's the least I can do.

    Here's to living a life on purpose, for a purpose, and making every moment count for God's glory.