In Psalm 37 David is feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He feels persecuted and under threat. He has a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He’s angry, and has somehow been hurt or is hurting.

But this is what he says: “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong… Trust in the Lord and do good…” (verses 1, 3).

Throughout Psalm 37 he stresses that God’s people should do good regardless of their circumstances.

We all have hurts and difficulties to deal with. But Psalm 37 is a strong reminder that a godly purpose in your life can help offset the pain in your life.

David had a strong sense of being called by God for a special purpose. That helped him move forward regardless of his circumstances.

In a similar way, each of us is called by God for a special purpose. And that helps us move forward regardless of our circumstances.

If you already know what your godly purpose is, that’s great.

But for those who are unsure, ask yourself this: “What can I do in this chapter of my life that honours God, and which serves or helps other people?”

Write that question down. Or save this devotional. Pray about it. Think about it. If you need some time, set some time aside to think it through some more.

All of us have either been hurt, are hurting, or could hurt at some point in the future. And even though having a godly purpose won’t make all your problems go away, it can help focus you on something bigger than your pain; it can renew your perspective.

You need a godly purpose in your life to offset the pain in your life.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Today’s “Up!” is based on my latest podcast called “How having a purpose helps with the pain.” You can listen in here. Enjoy!

–I want to give a nod to Dr. Jordan Peterson who, in an interview with Weekend Sunrise in Australia in June 2018, said: “you need a meaning in your life to offset the suffering in your life.” This idea is related to what I say in today’s devotional.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.