A friend whose spouse had recently passed away asked me this profound question: “Why am I here?” Even though I had been a student of Christian Science for many years, this caused me to step back and search for a response.

Some people believe we are here to live life to the fullest; others set their sights on retirement, when they hope to have the freedom to pursue personal interests. Certainly there are people who truly care about humanity and are dedicated to making the world a better place for everyone. There are as many different concepts of the purpose of life as there are people in the world. We might ask instead where people turn for wisdom about life and its meaning. 

Many turn to books, and—although the number is hard to track because it is sold in so many translations and languages—the Bible is believed to be the most purchased title, estimated to have sold more than five billion copies to date. Of non-religious titles, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes holds the top position, estimated to have sold five hundred million copies. Many consider one major theme of this novel to be man’s search for meaning—as the main character sees himself as a noble knight-errant on a mission to revive chivalry and perform acts of heroism.

The Bible has long stood as humanity’s most-read book because it provides answers to life’s most profound questions. “Why am I here?” is answered over and over again in God’s reassuring words, telling us that we are His own and were created for His good purpose. In the Hebrew Scriptures, for instance, God declares, “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21). Centuries later, a New Testament writer described our relation to God this way: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). 

Passages like these give us hope and direction. When a ship sets sail, it needs a captain, a purpose, and a plan of action. We, too, need these. God is the captain of our ship, and His purpose sets our course, or plan of action. However, fulfilling this plan of action may seem difficult to demonstrate in everyday life. Humanity has lessons to learn and truths to be made practical. But this is not a burden. The task becomes more inspiring as we move beyond the harbor, so to speak, and our sails become filled with the glory and understanding of God. 

Let me share the experience of that friend I mentioned, who made the journey from “Why am I here?” to “God has a good purpose for me.” In her mid-twenties, she had experienced both an emotional break with her mother and a painful divorce. These events left her feeling desperate and alone. She had attended a Christian Science Sunday School while growing up and now turned to God in prayer and deepened her study of Christian Science. 

When her second husband passed on, and she was feeling aimless, a Christian Science practitioner helped her—through prayer—to hear those angel thoughts Mary Baker Eddy describes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (see p. 298). My friend’s response to feeling more of God’s love was to become more active in her branch Church of Christ, Scientist. Her honest efforts to grow spiritually led to the healing of the rift with her mother and a new life of devotion to Christian Science, including sharing it with others. Today her life is characterized by a deep sense of God-given purpose and by knowing and feeling God’s constant presence.

This passage by Eddy gives her sense of a truly purposeful life: “The real Christian Scientist is constantly accentuating harmony in word and deed, mentally and orally, perpetually repeating this diapason of heaven: ‘Good is my God, and my God is good. Love is my God, and my God is Love.’

“Beloved students, you have entered the path. Press patiently on; God is good, and good is the reward of all who diligently seek God. . . . 

“As you journey, and betimes sigh for rest ‘beside the still waters,’ ponder this lesson of love. Learn its purpose; and in hope and faith, where heart meets heart reciprocally blest, drink with me the living waters of the spirit of my life-purpose,—to impress humanity with the genuine recognition of practical, operative Christian Science” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, pp. 206–207).

“Why am I here?” is no longer an open question if we respond to the calling to be a follower of Christ. There is always more to be done. A new battle to be won. A new victory over evil—not just sin but also disease—to be experienced. When we take up the sincere study and practice of Christian Science, doors of opportunity open. Yes, there will be spiritual mountains to climb, oceans to explore, and walls to be broken down. But the good news is that we will always be fully employed, well companioned, and deeply satisfied.

When we are willing to let our desires “be moulded and exalted” by God (Science and Health, p. 1) and set aside human opinions and judgments, God, good, provides a path forward. He always fulfills His promises. And that is a good reason for living in accord with God, with Life divine. Then we will never have to ask, “Why am I here?” We will know we are here to live a meaningful life, with God at the helm of our ship.