What does the BIBLE say about how to find purpose in life?

Answer 1

The Bible teaches the True Purpose of Life in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11; 12:13, 14

The conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this are man’s all.” God has answered clearly what our duty is while on earth and we would do well to fulfil His expectations because the next thing He said was, “For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (v. 14).

Answer #2 2nd Peter Chapter 31 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holyprophets, and of the commandment of us theapostlesof the Lord and Saviour:

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last daysscoffers,walking after their own lusts,

4 Andsaying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 Forthis they willingly are ignorant of, thatby the word of Godtheheavens were of old, and theearthstanding out of the water and in the water:

6 Wherebythe world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 Butthe heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fireagainst the day of judgmentand perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved,be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the whichthe heavens shall pass away with a great noise,and theelements shall melt with fervent heat, theearth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Neverthelesswe, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;even as our beloved brother Paulalso according to the wisdom given unto himhath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before,beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

18 Butgrow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
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Another thought:
Joy + purpose in life, come from having a relationship with God(Proverbs 16:20).
Jesus had a very full purpose in life...to do the will of his father (John 4:34)(Matthew 7:21-23). He LOVED his father(John 14:31)and his life centered on obediently completing his work(Philippians 2:7+8) knowing that if he remained faithful, God would reward him with a joyful future(Hebrews 12:2). Jesus' example(1 Peter 2:21/John 13:15), and his words in the 'Sermon on the Mount', provide wonderful council for giving OUR lives meaning:
-Matthew 5:3 tells us that all people are created with a 'spiritual need', and for TRUE happiness and purpose, one needs to be CONSCIOUS of it, and fill it, by seeking and FINDING answers to life's questions in the Bible(John 17:17).Who is God? Why is there so much suffering? Does God care about us? Why are we here?
-Matthew 5:7 teaches us to follow Jesus' example of compassion and kindness (Matthew 14:14). When we give of ourselves to others, we reap a very special joy from our lives(Luke 6:38/Acts 20:35). A joy that gives real meaning to our existence(Ephesians 4:32/Colossians 3:13). Being selfish or greedy only brings isolation and hostility.
-Matthew 5:9 instructs us to be 'peaceable'. As far as it depends on us, we should be peaceable with all men(Romans 12:18). A peaceful attitude draws us closer to those around us, who are part of our lives, and makes our relationships warmer and more meaningful, helping us grab hold of the 'real life'(1 Timothy 6:19). Adding reasonableness and thankfulness, we can receive 'peace from God' that NO one can take away.(Philippians 4:4-9)