Biblical Answer

The Bitter Taste of Loss: Finding Purpose in the Empty

Losing everything can be a devastating experience, leaving one feeling empty and lost. However, it can also be a transformative one. In the midst of such a trial, it's essential to take a step back and examine what truly matters. As the Bible teaches, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). This verse highlights our purpose as believers – to create and do good works that bring glory to God. Without passion or spiritual clarity, it's challenging to maintain a vision for what's most important. The haze of depression can make it difficult to discern what's essential, leading to a lack of direction and purpose.

A Shift in Perspective

Losing everything can serve as a wake-up call, forcing us to reevaluate our priorities and values. It's a chance to examine what we're creating in our lives and whether it's aligned with God's purpose. As the passage suggests, creating in a thoughtful and worshipful manner is crucial. This might involve redefining what we consider "creating" – it's not just about grand, impressive achievements, but also about the small, everyday actions that bring joy and fulfillment. By focusing on what we're not going to do, we can build margin into our lives, allowing us to prioritize what truly matters. This might involve saying no to things that distract us from our purpose and saying yes to those that bring us closer to God.

Finding Purpose in the Empty

In the aftermath of loss, it's easy to get caught up in what's missing, but it's essential to focus on what's present. By examining our values and priorities, we can begin to see what's truly important. As the passage suggests, writing down our goals and desires can help us clarify our vision and create a plan for achieving it. This might involve identifying areas where we've been spiritually distracted and seeking to become more self-controlled. By doing so, we can begin to create a life that reflects God's purpose for us. As we focus on what's truly important, we can find purpose and meaning in the midst of loss, and begin to create a life that brings glory to God. This process is not always easy, but it's a crucial step in finding our way again.