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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Yesterday I was young; today I’m old. Why the suddenness of the aging process? As I review my life with all of its accomplishments, I feel empty and without purpose in these years of growing older. Is there an unspoken secret? – L.P.

A: One of the saddest things is to watch someone come to the end of life never having realized the purpose of life. We are not here by chance; God has placed us on Earth for a purpose, and the most important thing we can do is discover that purpose and commit ourselves to it.

Just what is God’s purpose for mankind? First of all, God wants us to come to know Him personally by giving our lives to Jesus Christ. Then He wants us to discover what it means to live for Him and follow His will. The Bible says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

We must ask this question: What are we living for? Pleasure? Money? Happiness? Security? Success? None of these things will ever fulfill a person completely. We were made for a relationship with God, and we will only find true meaning and purpose in Christ.

Perhaps you have made “self” the center of your life and don’t even realize it. How easy this can happen, particularly in today’s self-serving world. Make a turn-about-face and commit yourself to Jesus Christ by asking Him to come into your heart as Lord and Savior. He wants to be your counselor and your guide. Trust Him like the writer of Psalm 16 who said, “O Lord … You will show me the path of life” (vv. 5, 11, NKJV).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.