Scriptures to steady your heart when you’re wondering what God wants you to do next.

Hello again my dear friend,

Have you ever stared at the ceiling at 2am thinking, “Lord… what exactly am I meant to be doing with my life now?”

• Maybe the kids are older.

• Maybe work doesn’t feel as meaningful as it used to.

• Maybe the to-do list is still full… but your heart feels strangely empty.

If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s or 60s whispering, “What is my purpose now?” – you are not alone, and you are not a burden to God. You are right on time.

In this post, we’ll walk through 15 Bible verses about purpose and calling that speak directly into seasons of midlife transition. Think of this as a little Scripture toolkit you can come back to on the cloudy days.

How to Use These Verses

Before we dive in, here are a few simple ways to use these Scriptures:

• Pray them out loud, adding your name into the verse.

• Write them on cards and pop them around the house (or as your phone wallpaper).

• Journal with them: copy the verse, then write what it stirs in you.

• Share them: send one to a friend who’s also questioning her purpose.

You don’t have to tackle all 15 in one sitting. Let the Holy Spirit highlight one or two that feel especially “for you” today.

When You’re Wondering If God Still Has a Plan

1. Jeremiah 29:11 – God Hasn’t Misplaced Your Future

“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV, excerpt)

Even if life has not gone to plan – divorce, job loss, illness, disappointment – God’s plans for you still hold. In midlife, when roads you expected to be straight have turned very twisty, this verse reminds you that your story is still safe in His hands.

Midlife reminder: You’re not living Plan B. God can work with exactly where you are.

2. Romans 8:28 – Nothing Is Wasted

“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV, excerpt)

Every chapter – the ones you’d frame, and the ones you’d rather shred – can be woven into God’s purpose. Midlife gives you enough history to look back and see His fingerprints, even in the painful bits.

Midlife reminder: God is a master at recycling pain into purpose.

3. Ephesians 2:10 – You Are God’s Workmanship

“For we are God’s handiwork… created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” (NIV, excerpt)

This verse anchors your calling in your identity. You are His workmanship – His artwork – designed with intention. The “good works” aren’t just for your 20s. They stretch across every decade.

Midlife reminder: Your age has changed. Your Designer hasn’t.

When Your Plans Have Fallen Apart

4. Proverbs 19:21 – God’s Purpose Will Stand

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (NIV, excerpt)

You’ve probably lived long enough to see many plans not turn out as you expected. This verse isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a comfort. When your planning has run out of road, God’s purpose is still steady.

Midlife reminder: Failed plans don’t equal a failed life.

5. Psalm 57:2 – God Fulfils His Purpose for You

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” (NIV, excerpt)

Notice who fulfils the purpose here. Not you, white-knuckling your way through. God does. Your part is to cry out, stay close, and respond as He leads.

Midlife reminder: You are not carrying your calling alone; God is carrying you.

6. Psalm 138:8 – The Lord Will Accomplish His Purpose

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…” (ESV, excerpt)

On days you feel like a walking unfinished project, this verse whispers, “He’s not done yet.” Even the slower, quieter midlife years are part of His ongoing work in you.

Midlife reminder: God is more committed to your growth than you are.

When You Feel Deeply Unsure

7. Proverbs 20:5 – Deep Waters, Drawn Out

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (NIV, excerpt)

Your calling can feel fuzzy, buried under decades of responsibilities. This verse gives you permission to take time, with God and wise people, to draw out what’s hidden.

Midlife reminder: Confusion is not failure; it’s an invitation to explore with God.

8. Psalm 33:11 – God’s Purposes Across Generations

“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (NIV, excerpt)

Your purpose isn’t just about you. It reaches into your children, grandchildren, church and community. When you live on purpose in midlife, you’re sowing into generations you may never meet.

Midlife reminder: Your small faithfulness today can ripple far beyond your lifetime.

9. 2 Timothy 1:9 – Called to a Holy Life

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life…” (NIV, excerpt)

Before God calls you to a specific task, He calls you to Himself. Your “primary calling” is to belong to Jesus; everything else flows from there.

Midlife reminder: You can walk in your calling today simply by walking closely with Him.

When You Wonder If You’re “Enough”

10. 1 Peter 2:9 – Chosen, Called, Set Apart

“You are a chosen people… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness…” (NIV, excerpt)

If you’ve ever felt invisible or “too ordinary”, this verse re-names you: chosen, royal, set apart. Your life is meant to declare His goodness, even in the everyday.

Midlife reminder: Your calling is less about charisma and more about whose you are.

11. Colossians 3:23 – Whatever You Do, Do It for the Lord

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (NIV, excerpt)

Purpose isn’t only about “special” ministry moments. Folding washing, answering emails, caring for ageing parents – all can become holy when done for Him.

Midlife reminder: Your mundane can be ministry.

12. Micah 6:8 – What the Lord Requires

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV, excerpt)

When you feel paralysed by options, come back to this simple triad. Justice, mercy, humility – these will always be part of any God-shaped calling.

Midlife reminder: When you’re not sure what to do, focus on how to be.

When You Need Courage to Step Forward

13. Matthew 5:14–16 – You Are the Light of the World

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others…” (NIV, excerpt)

Your calling is not meant to stay hidden under fear, comparison or busyness. Light is meant to shine – in your lounge room, workplace, church and neighbourhood.

Midlife reminder: You are still meant to shine, even if you feel a bit “worn at the edges”.

14. Philippians 1:6 – He Will Carry It to Completion

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (NIV, excerpt)

When you’re tired or tempted to quit, this verse reminds you that God is not dropping the ball on your life. He finishes what He starts.

Midlife reminder: Your best fruit may still be ahead of you.

15. Isaiah 46:4 – Even to Your Old Age

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he… I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (NIV, excerpt)

This is a gorgeous promise for midlife and beyond. God doesn’t retire from being your Shepherd. He promises to carry, sustain and rescue you in every decade.

Midlife reminder: You will never age out of God’s care or calling.

A Simple Way to Pray With These Verses

Here’s a little framework you can use with any of the Scriptures above:

1. Read it slowly (out loud if you can).

2. Thank God for what it reveals about His character.

3. Insert your name into the verse.

4. Ask one question, e.g. “Lord, what does this mean for my purpose in this season?”

5. Sit quietly for a minute and jot down any thoughts, images or nudges.

Do that with just one verse a day for a week, and see what begins to shift in your heart.

Until we chat again...

Blessings and hugs to you,

Dianne xx