Vivian Pierce

Insights from Victor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning”

Understanding Suffering and Adversity

Viktor Frankl presents a compelling view on suffering, proposing that it “ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” He emphasizes the power of personal agency with the reminder that “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you feel and do about what happens to you.”

In times of helplessness, channeling your energies into personal prayer and service to others is essential. Engaging in these activities can significantly nourish your spirit by shifting your focus away from your own difficulties. As you dedicate time to prayer and devotion, you gradually gain a renewed perspective. While your circumstances may remain the same, your perception of them changes, influenced by a newfound understanding of truth.

Reflect: How will I choose to respond the next time I face adversity or suffering?

Confronting Work Setbacks

Frankl provides deep insights into achieving success at work, arguing that “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it does so as the unintended side effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. Success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think of it.” He also discusses the psychological toll of unemployment, which he calls ‘unemployment neurosis,’ where one mistakenly equates joblessness with uselessness, and uselessness with a meaningless life.

Reflect: In times of professional uncertainty, how can I use prayer and reflection to recognize the blessings in my life and seek guidance on God’s plan?

Prayer: Father God, make me an instrument of Your good and perfect will in the world around me. Thank you for equipping me today for the work of prayer and service, enabling me to positively impact and serve those around me.