Have you ever asked the question, “What’s life all about?”
I know I have.
In fact when I was seventeen, I not only was asking this question, I was really struggling with it.
Up until this point in my life, I had spent my time doing school, working some summer jobs, going to church, spending time with friends and family – you know, the normal teenage life. But in my free time, I participated in something that was a little unique.
You see, when I was 12 years old, I signed up to participate in the National Bible Bee. The National Bible Bee is a program for young people, encouraging them to study and memorize Scripture through a fun Summer Study and National Competition. I absolutely loved it and spent a bunch of time during my middle school and high school years digging into the Word of God through it.
I met a lot of great friends and made great memories through local and national competitions events. But more importantly, I developed a passion and love for Bible study and memorization.
I learned so much and really grew in my relationship with Jesus.
But now, I was 17 and a senior in high school. It was my last year participating in the National Bible Bee.
Life was moving on and I got busy with other things….like jobs, school, plans for the future. I was beginning to wonder if all my time spent in the Word of God was really worth it. I mean it was great for middle school and high school, but what about real life? I finally just asked God, “God, please show me what’s the purpose in all this.
What’s life all about and why do I need to know Your Word?”
I got to the final round of the competition and it was time to recite my last passage, Ecclesiastes 12:1-14. This was a passage I had studied and knew inside and out, but as I started to recite it there in that last round, the full impact of the words I had memorized hit me and the Lord spoke to me through them.
It starts off by saying, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the difficult days come…” It goes on to describe some of the hardships that we face in life and how eventually it all leads to death – so much of this life is just temporary.
So what is the purpose in all of it?!?!
He gives the answer as he wraps it all up: “This is the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing whether good or evil.”
And as I recited those words, the Lord answered my question.
What is life all about? Remembering my Creator so that I can fear God and keep His commandments.
So was it worth it to spend all that time in the Scriptures? ABSOLUTELY YES. God had given me a gift. A gift to know Him. And if I know the Creator of life, I am fully equipped to live out the life He’s given me.
Today, I’m 21.
I still wrestle with questions and I definitely don’t have life all figured out. But I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend the days of my youth getting to know my Creator.
I cannot think of a better way to prepare for life than to get to know the Creator of life through His Word.
The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness, it does not return void, and it endures forever. This is something worth studying. This is the foundation on which we need to build our lives.
So if you’re a young person thinking through the question, “What is life all about?”, I would encourage you: get into the Word of God. Make it your top priority to “remember your Creator” while you are young. As you seek to follow and obey His Word, He will guide you and show you His perfect plan one step at a time.
And if you’re looking for a fun way to get started in God’s Word this summer, check out the National Bible Bee! The Summer Study starts in June and takes you on a journey through the Scriptures through both study and memorization.
You will be given the 8-week Discovery Journal to explore the Scriptures in as little as 20 minutes a day with the option of a deeper study. This is something you can do on your own or with a group of friends – head over to biblebee.org to get involved today!
Registration for this year’s Summer Study is opened through May 31st.
Guest Blog Written By: Hannah Leary
