By Shiori Murayama
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Life is short and often unpredictable, filled with moments of happiness and challenges. As I spend the last 4 weeks away from work, I reflect on many aspects of life: Work (undoubtedly), Friendships, Family and God. The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “everything is vanity” without a God-centered life (Ecclesiastes 1:2), amplifying that worldly things are temporary. Ecclesiastes was the first book I finished reading and studying as a young Christian and it still stands as my favourite book in the Bible. It reminds me to always seek beyond things of the world and to focus instead on what truly matters; eternal life with our Father.
Our God-given instinct for survival plays a big role in how we pursue life. From ancient times, we’ve been driven to seek safety, food, and stability. These instincts are natural, but they can keep us focused on short-term comfort instead of long-term purpose. Do you take time in your day to pause and reflect:
Who am I called to be?
Am I living a purposeful life that is preparing me to meet my Heavenly Father when the time comes?
Am I investing in relationships, spiritual growth, and actions that leave a lasting impact?
In Psalm 90:12, we understand that our days are numbered and therefore, we should be intentional in prioritizing a purposeful life. While I don’t discount life’s circumstances, challenges and sometimes, limiting mindsets that keep us stuck in a phase, I hope you find the courage today to be deliberate in crafting a life of purpose, connection and growth.
- Purpose
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Living with purpose doesn’t have to be ‘a lot’ or impressive. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet obedience to God’s voice even when you don’t want to, trying to serve and show up where no one sees, or in choosing to love others when it’s hard. Purpose isn’t something we stumble upon once and for all—it unfolds as we walk with God daily and in life, generally.
“I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labour—it is the gift of God.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 (NKJV)
These verses remind me exactly of what this life could look like. One that is embracing the daily gifts from God instead of endlessly striving for more as we can intentionally choose to rejoice, give back, have gratitude and seek simplicity in the everyday.
I encourage you to ask yourself:
What has God placed in my hands today?
Who has He placed around me to serve or love better?
Purpose doesn’t need to wait till it’s perfect; it could start with simply being fully present to people and tasks God gives us, and doing our best to be more like Christ than yesterday.
- Connection
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Independence has always been a core part of my identity. Since childhood, I’ve prided myself on getting through life on my own. Relying on others felt strange, even uncomfortable. Over time, I realized that avoiding support has been a burden I’ve placed on myself and has caused much pain. Learning to accept help and build a community has been a valuable lesson.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)
The Bible teaches us that connections can be mutually beneficial, supportive and uplifting through life and its challenges. We weren’t made to do life, alone.
Try this today:
Find and reach out to someone old or new in your life to show your love and care and in doing so, establish stronger bonds and community.
- Growth
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Growing isn’t easy but is necessary in the transformation of a Christian life God desires for us. For a long time, I’ve chosen growth out of survival, fear and the need to control life. While this has been fundamental in much of what I have accomplished in life, it has hindered my dependence and relationship with God. Growth begins when we let go of self-reliance and invite God into the process.
Healing and transformation can take time, but God is patient with us through every step. Whether it’s learning something new, forgiving ourselves, letting go of past hurt, or finding joy again — He walks with us in all of it.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NKJV)
The book of Ecclesiastes concludes by highlighting the foundation and importance of a God-centered and wise life as our earthly pursuits are fleeting in nature. It is a humble yet hard reminder as life does not need to be tougher than it may be if we intently walk with Him daily and live in accordance to His will.
So I invite you to ask:
Where am I trying to fix things on my own?
Where is God inviting me to grow right now?
Whether it’s in patience, trust, forgiveness, or faith—lean into it. Trust that He is always patiently and faithfully waiting for us and we can be led to greater wholeness and peace if we surrender control and trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In Closing
Life is fleeting, but we know God’s love is eternal. As I continue this journey of reflection, I am reminded of how deeply meaningful a simple, faithful life can be—one marked by purpose, nurtured by connection, and open to growth.
My prayer for you is that you find rest in God’s promises and courage to live intentionally in every season. Let us not wait for life to slow down to reflect—let us reflect as we live, and live with the end in mind.