Any attempt to explain away the inherent lack of meaning in our universe, is philosophical suicide.
One form of philosophical resignation can be observed in religious belief systems. Instead of questioning the perceived absence of meaning, religion often ascribes unexplained phenomena to a higher power. It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily imply the non-existence of a higher power; its existence remains both possible and improbable at the same time.
The existentialist Albert Camus characterizes our desire for meaning and the world’s lack thereof as being "absurd". There is a bizarre nature to it all that we need to confront and ultimately accept. Renouncing this very capacity for reason leads to philosophical suicide. Any belief in greater meaning seems to be a cop-out that has but one purpose: protecting us from this unbearable truth.
Camus own brand of existentialism suggests acceptance of the absurd as the only viable solution. This leads to a form of active nihilism, where the inherent meaninglessness of our world is but the starting point for each and every actor to create their own meaning. This is a crucial component of freedom as I understand it. That way, the meaninglessness of the world leads us outward and into the present moment. It is right here where each one of us can create their own sense of meaning. Confronting the absurdity of our existence is the only requirement.
