The ultimate purpose of the universe is to display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God.

"Or to put it most simply and starkly: the ultimate reason that suffering exists in the universe is so that Christ might display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God by suffering in himself to overcome our suffering. The suffering of the utterly innocent and infinitely holy Son of God in the place of utterly undeserving sinners to bring us to everlasting joy is the greatest display of the glory of God’s grace that ever was, or ever could be. " -John Piper

http://www.desiringgod.org/library/sermons/05/100905.html

I recieve e-mails from Desiring God on a regular basis and this one could not have come at a better time. I have been feeling sorry for myself all week, dwelling in all the suffering I have been through over the last 4 years. I have been through a lot, but today I realized I have been buying into the worldly view of suffering, and feeling sorry for myself. I have been trying to love myself first and make me happy. When I realized I was acting this way I was ashamed.
From the quote above "...suffering exists in the universe is so that Christ might display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God by suffering in himself to overcome our suffering." The ultimate sacrifice. Jesus who was and is perfect took our place to bring us to the Father for eternal joy but furthermore to show his amazing grace to us. To bring glory to himself.
Life on this earth is so short, and dwelling on all that is wrong in our lives serves us no purpose at all. Rather, we should be resting in the arms of our Savior. Waking up each morning worshipping our Savior, spending time in his word, and living our life for him! Easier said than done right? Of course, so my prayer is that I and you, will seek Christ daily, even when you have no motivation to crack open his word, and honestly talk with him so that his glory may shine through in your life. Do not waste your life.Those of us who believe, love and know Christ are forever prosporous in him and his glory, so share that proserity with our broken world!