{"id":101954,"date":"2026-09-29T16:00:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T23:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=101954"},"modified":"2026-08-09T11:41:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T18:41:46","slug":"experts-concerned-about-purpose-anxiety-yet-the-answers-are-in-scripture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/doctrine\/experts-concerned-about-purpose-anxiety-yet-the-answers-are-in-scripture\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Experts’ concerned about ‘purpose anxiety,’ yet the answers are in scripture"},"content":{"rendered":"

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COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Associated Press<\/em> put out an article that contains the following:<\/p>\n

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Why the search for meaning can cause \u2018purpose anxiety,\u2019 …<\/h2>\n

\u201cFind your purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

It has become such common advice<\/a><\/span> that few question it. But rather than inspirational, it can feel like a burden. How do I go about finding this and what if I never do?<\/p>\n

This is \u201cpurpose anxiety\u201d \u2014 the gnawing sense that one\u2019s life should have an overarching purpose, but it\u2019s unclear how to discover it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of commands to find purpose, but not a lot of support to find purpose,\u201d said Michael Steger, a professor at Colorado State University and director of its Center for Meaning and Purpose.<\/p>\n

How do you define \u2018purpose\u2019?<\/h3>\n

The definition of purpose can be elastic. Can you have only one purpose or can you have many? Does it have to involve service to others or can it be something that consistently gives only you great pleasure and meaning?<\/p>\n

Think of purpose not as something that governs behavior but as a compass you can choose to follow, helping direct your energies toward a central life aim, says Todd Kashdan, a professor at George Mason University and founder of its Well-Being Laboratory. A sense of purpose can help \u201cclose that gap between who you are and what you ideally want to become,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

People can lead content, meaningful lives without ever articulating a sense of purpose, he emphasized. 08\/06\/25 https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/purpose-anxiety-wellness-84da5b896fedd7ef5932d63b05a5a7d5<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That last statement is basically not true from a biblical perspective.<\/p>\n

And that is one of the many problems with the article in that its ‘experts’ ignore the Bible.<\/p>\n

The Apostle Paul also wrote the following to Timothy about some who were:<\/p>\n

7<\/sup> always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yet, life has a purpose and the Bible reveals it.<\/p>\n

Here is a bit more from the article from the Associated Press<\/em>:<\/p>\n

The term \u201cpurpose anxiety\u201d appears to have been coined in 2014 by a University of Pennsylvania graduate student, Larissa Rainey, …<\/p>\n

People have always searched for life\u2019s meaning and purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cPart of what it is to have a human consciousness is to think about our place in the universe,\u201d said Jody Day, a psychotherapist and author of \u201cLiving the Life Unexpected: How to Find Hope, Meaning and a Fulfilling Future without Children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut a lot of the places that we\u2019ve naturally found meaning in our culture in, say, the last hundred years are falling away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Religion, for instance, often offered purpose and meaning to believers. But those who identify as religious has dropped significantly over the years (although that appears to be leveling off<\/a><\/span> recently according to a 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center).<\/p>\n

Other people traditionally found purpose in ensuring that their children had a better life than they did. Many don\u2019t have confidence<\/a><\/span> that will be the case anymore, Day said. 08\/06\/25 https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/purpose-anxiety-wellness-84da5b896fedd7ef5932d63b05a5a7d5<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yes, as society has become less religious, which in most cases means less respectful of the Bible, there is more anxiety about life and its purpose.<\/p>\n

But the truth about life’s purpose is still there to be found.<\/p>\n

If you will properly respond to God, He will fulfill your purpose. The Bible teaches:<\/p>\n

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4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
\nAnd fulfill all your purpose.
\n5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
\nAnd in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
\nMay the Lord fulfill all your petitions.\u00a0 (Psalm 20:4-5)<\/p>\n

4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
\nAnd He shall give you the desires of your heart.<\/p>\n

5 Commit your way to the Lord,
\nTrust also in Him,
\nAnd He shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:4-5)<\/p>\n

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,\u00a0 (Ephesians 1:11)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We do not have to have anxiety about our purpose, but we should do what God says.<\/p>\n

In his booklet, The Seven Laws of Success<\/a>, the late Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> wrote the following related to success:<\/p>\n

WHY are only the very few\u2014women as well as men\u2014successful in life? Just what is success? Here is the surprising answer to life\u2019s most difficult problem, proving that NO HUMAN NEED EVER BECOME A FAILURE! All who have succeeded have followed these seven laws! The only WAY to success is not a copyrighted formula being sold for a price. You can\u2019t buy it! The price is your own application to the seven existing laws.<\/p>\n

DID IT EVER occur to you that there might be a reason<\/em> why so many people make a failure of life? Not only men and career women, but wives and mothers to!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Can you be a success?<\/p>\n

To help you with that, the Continuing<\/em>\u00a0Church of God<\/a>\u00a0put together the following video on our\u00a0Bible News Prophecy<\/a> YouTube channel:<\/p>\n

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14:50<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Choose the Right Goal for Success<\/a><\/h3>\n

Do any human beings have to be failures? Is there a true and real way that leads to lasting success? Are there causes for success and failure? Can the world consider you to be a success, yet God consider you a failure? What did the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God consider to be \u201cthe first law of success\u2019? Is there a purpose of life? What did Jesus say that Christians should seek first, focus on? Do you have the right goal? What about wisdom? What about earning a livelihood? Can one become a success even if one is old? What about Harland Sanders? Do you know why God created anything? Do you know why God made you? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to our video: Choose the Right Goal for Success<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Be an eternal success! Chose the right goal!<\/p>\n

Yet, even though that is laid out in the Bible, God’s plan is a mystery to most.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

God’s purpose for His creation is for eternity to be better. Sadly, even most Christians do not realize that.<\/p>\n

His purpose for individual human beings is for them to be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for themselves and everyone else. Sadly, most Christians do not realize that either.<\/p>\n

Scriptural and other details are in the free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Regarding why this world needs you, you might find the following Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> sermon helpful:<\/p>\n

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1:14:43 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Mystery of YOU<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why did God make YOU? What is the biblical meaning pf life? Are you supposed to do good? Is there a place for works? What will you be rewarded for? What about love and the commandments? Does God have a specific role for you personally? Do you really trust God? Will you be able to give love in a unique manner in order to make eternity better for yourself and others? What about character and deification? Why did God create anything? This is third part of a three-part sermon series by Dr. Thiel.<\/p>\n

This sermon series is based on the following free online book: The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? <\/a> <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to the sermon: The Mystery of YOU<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, the results of world matters are helping wake you up and motivating you to realize that you should have a role in supporting the true Philadelphian work.<\/p>\n

The time to do so is now, before it is too late (cf. Zephaniah 2; watch Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy<\/a>).<\/p>\n

We produced a short video related to this:<\/p>\n

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16:03<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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‘Get Ready: The World is About to Need You’<\/a><\/h3>\n

According to a secular source, related to COVID-19, Matt Smith wrote, “We could have been better prepared.” He also went over many issues, including lockdowns, illness, and deaths that should be anticipated related to COVID-19. But he then said, “Get ready. The world is about to need you.” Are you willing to step up spiritually and support the Philadelphian work? Most end time Christians are prophesied not to do so. Do the words the Mordecai passed on to Queen Esther have meaning for you today? Could you have been called into the Kingdom of God for a time such as this? What are the plans that God might have for you? Are you one who may have been prophesied to “instruct many” in the end time? Are you watching and praying? Are you cold or lukewarm when it comes to God’s work? Are you mainly a hearer of the word of a doer? Dr. Thiel goes over these subjects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to our video: ‘Get Ready: The World is About to Need You’<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We also put out the following video:<\/p>\n

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14:22 <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Could God be Creating Something Beautiful in You?<\/a><\/h3>\n

A report based on CDC data showed a massive increase in hopelessness and sadness in American teenage females. Plus, 30% reported considering suicide. Does God have a plan for you? Jared Dyson asserted that God is creating something beautiful in you.\u201d Is that possible? Is there really a God? Can you prove if God exists? If so, does His purpose for you involve something beautiful? Do all the tests, sufferings, and trials you have been through in this life have any eternal purpose? Could they be preparing you to give love in a unique manner in order for you to make eternity better for yourself and everyone else? Does God actually consider all the works and issues you have faced? Do you, as an individual, have a unique role that God knows? Can Jesus help you when you are facing difficulties? Could your purpose in this life be to build character so that you can maximize your potential and increase how much you can make eternity better? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here is a link to our video: Could God be Creating Something Beautiful in You?<\/a><\/p>\n

Yes, life has a purpose!<\/p>\n

This purpose is something that has been restored in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God (see also Continuing<\/em> Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things<\/a><\/span>)–as well as taught by it (see also The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?<\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n

And if you are willing, you can make eternity better for yourself and all who will later hear God’s call.<\/p>\n

Some items of possibly related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

Is God\u2019s Existence Logical?<\/a> Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution. Two animated videos of related interest are also available: <\/span>Big Bang: Nothing or Creator?<\/a> and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/b>The MYSTERY of GOD\u2019s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? <\/a> This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life.<\/span> Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God\u2019s Plan<\/a>, <\/span>Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>, and The Mystery of YOU<\/a>.
\nContinuing<\/em> Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things<\/a>\u00a0Have all things been restored? Is there restoration going on? Is there supposed to be a 21st century Elijah? Here is are links to two related sermons: 21st Century Elijah<\/a> and CCOG: Restoring All Things<\/a>.<\/span> Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: La restauracion de todas las cosas<\/a>.
\n<\/span>Why Were You Born?<\/a> Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny?<\/a> or watch the video, also titled <\/span>What is Your Destiny?<\/a>
\nBuilding Character: Going on to Perfection<\/a> Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: <\/span>Going on to perfection and building character<\/span><\/a>.
\nWhat is the Meaning of Life?<\/a> Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? If you would like to watch videos covering subjects of this article, you can click on the following links: Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer?<\/a> and <\/span>What is the meaning of your life?<\/a>
\nIs God Calling You?<\/a> This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You?<\/a> A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?<\/a>
\nPhysical Preparation Scriptures for Christians<\/a>. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparaci\u00f3n f\u00edsica para los Cristianos<\/a>. Here is a link to a related sermon: Physical preparedness for Christians<\/a>.
\nPersecutions by Church and State<\/a> This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church<\/a>. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado<\/a>.<\/span><\/span>
\nDoes the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?<\/a> Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: \u00bfTiene la CCOG confirmadas las se\u00f1ales de Hechos 2: 17-18?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l\u2019\u00c9glise Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d\u2019Actes 2:17-18?<\/a>
\nChurch of God Leaders on Prophets<\/a> Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets<\/a>.
\nWhat About Romans 11:25 and the Full Number of the Gentiles?<\/a> Some in the West discount God\u2019s calling of Gentiles, but the Apostle Paul wrote about the need for them to come to the truth before Jesus returns.
\nWhat is the Ezekiel Warning?<\/a> Should the end-time descendants of Israel and Joseph be warned? What should the watchman warn about?
\n<\/span>Preparing for the \u2018Short Work\u2019 and The Famine of the Word<\/a> What is the \u2018short work\u2019 of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work<\/a>.
\nThe Final Phase of the Work<\/a> What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. <\/a> The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Grok AI generated illustration) COGwriter The\u00a0Associated Press put out an article that contains the following: Why the search for meaning can cause \u2018purpose anxiety,\u2019 … \u201cFind your purpose.\u201d It has become such common advice that few question it. But rather than inspirational, it can feel like a burden. How do I go about finding this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-101954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-doctrine"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t