Discovering Purpose

In the Torah, there are plain meanings and hidden meanings. Before Joseph is sold into slavery, he is tasked by his father to check on his brothers. As he sets off on his journey, he meets an unnamed personality who asks him a question. On the surface it appears simple, but upon deeper reflection, it is a question that all of us ask ourselves at some point.

“A man found Joseph wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, ‘What are you seeking?’” (Genesis 37:15)

Some people find their purpose in their career. Others devote themselves to their family and raising children. Some volunteer and pursue charitable endeavors. Others dedicate their life to sports. That being said, not everyone knows their purpose, is happy, or has clarity on their individual future.

Before our patriarch Jacob passed away, he gathered his sons and bestowed predictions on them. These were a sort of fortune-telling of the lives they would live. Some sons received a prosperous outlook while others were doomed to failure and struggle. Whether good or bad, many people want to know what their futures hold. Unfortunately, though, there is no Jacob figure walking around telling people what will happen to them.

“Then Jacob called together all his sons and said, ‘Gather around me, and I will tell you what will happen to each of you in the days to come.

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength.
You are first in rank and first in power.
But you are as unruly as a flood,
and you will be first no longer.

Simeon and Levi are two of a kind;
their weapons are instruments of violence.
A curse on their anger, for it is fierce;
I will scatter them among the descendants of Jacob;
I will disperse them throughout Israel.

Judah, your brothers will praise you.
You will grasp your enemies by the neck.
All your relatives will bow before you.
The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants.

Zebulun will settle by the seashore
and will be a harbor for ships;
his borders will extend to Sidon.

Issachar is a sturdy donkey,
resting between two saddlepacks.
When he sees how good the countryside is
He will submit himself to hard labor.

Dan will govern his people,
He will be a snake beside the road,
that bites the horse’s hooves
so its rider is thrown off.

Gad will be attacked by marauding bands,
but he will attack them when they retreat.

Asher will dine on rich foods
and produce food fit for kings.

Naphtali is a doe set free
that bears beautiful fawns.

Joseph is the foal of a wild donkey.
Archers attacked him savagely;
But his bow remained taut,
and his arms were strengthened.

Benjamin is a ravenous wolf,
devouring his enemies in the morning
and dividing his plunder in the evening.’”
(Genesis 49:1-27)

In the absence of prophetic future-telling, what is one to do with their questions of purpose? Should they dive into the self help section of the bookstore, follow the latest internet “influencers”, or simply do what their parents tell them? One could argue the answer is more simply to ask G-d for direction.

While the Tanakh does not have much to say about Jabez, the little it does mention is extremely worthwhile. A simple yet honorable man, Jabez is known for nothing more than asking G-d to grant him success. Jabez does not ask for riches, career direction, or even children. He simply asks for a pain-free life of blessing with G-d.

“Jabez cried out to the G-d of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And G-d granted his request.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Perhaps the answer to collective yearnings for purpose is to stop being so specific. It’s okay if someone hasn’t completely figured their life out yet. One needs to simply trust in G-d and let Him do the rest.