A purposeful life? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What profit has a man from all his labour in which he toils under the sun?
Ecclesiastes 1:2–3

A purposeful life?
Some artists have tried in original ways to depict the brevity and apparent meaninglessness of human life. Philippe de Champaigne, a painter of the 17th century, is attributed with painting a work entitled “Vanitas” (meaning empty appearance, vanity or futility). Its symbolism is alarming: on the left, a rose representing love; on the right, an hourglass indicating the passing time – and in between, a human skull! The painter has hit the nail on the head: Man lives, he loves, and wants to be loved, but his time is limited. He dies and leaves behind only the faded remains of his existence: vanity, futility and emptiness. This painting exactly corresponds to the view of the Preacher in today’s verse.

But the Bible also shows us another perspective. Our lives don’t have to be so meaningless. That’s not how God wants us to live. God loves us. He loves you personally because you are His creation. Perhaps God doesn’t mean much to you, but you mean a lot to Him. Perhaps you sometimes consider your life meaningless, but God wants to give your life meaning. Because one thing is certain: a truly purposeful life, which lasts for eternity, can only be found in relationship with God.

The basis for such a life is the forgiveness of your sins and your faith in Jesus, the Son of God. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12). Why not make contact with God in prayer today and ask Him to save you and give your life deep meaning and lasting happiness? You will never regret it!

Today’s reading: Judges 14:14-15:8 · 2 Corinthians 12:16-21