Many of us feel the pressure to strive for success, but what does the Bible say about striving? Is it healthy, or does it distract us from God’s plans? Let’s explore the balance between hard work and resting in God’s provision and purpose.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dead Loved Ones
What Does The Bible Say About Striving
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This verse encourages us to keep pushing forward and striving towards the prize that awaits us in heaven. It reminds us that in our journey, we are not alone, as God has called us and is with us every step of the way.
1 Corinthians 9:24
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
This verse compares our spiritual journey to a race, emphasizing the need for us to strive and give our best effort in order to receive the ultimate prize. It challenges us to run with perseverance and determination, always keeping our eyes fixed on the finish line.
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
This verse reminds us that we have a multitude of witnesses who have gone before us and conquered their own battles. It encourages us to let go of anything that hinders us, especially sin, and to run our race with endurance and perseverance, knowing that there is a purpose and a plan for our lives.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse reminds us to approach everything we do with diligence and wholeheartedness, recognizing that ultimately we are working for the Lord. It motivates us to strive for excellence, knowing that our reward comes from Him and that our efforts have eternal significance.
1 Timothy 4:10
“That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.”
This verse reinforces the importance of laboring and striving in our faith because our hope is rooted in the living God. It reminds us that our efforts are not in vain, for He is the ultimate Savior, not only of believers but of all people.
Proverbs 12:24
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
This verse highlights the importance of being diligent and hardworking. It teaches us that by being diligent in our endeavors, we can experience success and even positions of authority. On the other hand, laziness leads to difficult and undesirable circumstances.
Proverbs 13:4
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
This verse contrasts the lazy with the diligent. It reminds us that those who are lazy never find satisfaction, as their lack of effort prevents them from achieving their desires. However, the diligent, who consistently work hard, are rewarded and find fulfillment.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of planning and diligence. It teaches us that when we are intentional with our actions and work diligently towards our goals, we are more likely to find success and prosperity. Haste, on the other hand, often leads to poor outcomes.
2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
This verse guides us on the path of spiritual growth and maturity. It encourages us to make every effort to cultivate virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. By striving to develop these qualities, we become more like Christ and reflect His character to the world.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse urges us to put forth our best effort in our relationship with God. It encourages us to study and understand His Word, so that we can accurately handle it and live according to its teachings. By doing so, we demonstrate ourselves as workers approved by God.
Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
This verse serves as a reminder to maintain our passion and enthusiasm in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to be fervent in our service to the Lord, always striving to serve Him with zeal and dedication.
Ephesians 4:1-3
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This verse calls us to live in a manner that aligns with our calling as followers of Christ. It challenges us to embody humility, gentleness, patience, and love as we interact with others. It also emphasizes the importance of making every effort to maintain unity and peace in the body of Christ.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds us of our priorities as believers. It instructs us to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else, trusting that as we prioritize Him, He will provide for our needs and bless us abundantly.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages us to turn away from evil and actively pursue goodness. It reminds us to seek peace and actively work towards it, both in our relationships with others and in our own inner lives.
Psalm 119:2
“Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
This verse speaks of the blessings that come to those who diligently keep God’s commandments and seek Him wholeheartedly. It emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep and genuine relationship with God.
Lamentations 3:25
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”
This verse reassures us of God’s goodness and faithfulness to those who place their hope in Him. It encourages us to actively seek Him and reminds us that He rewards those who diligently seek after Him.
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
This verse reminds us of the power of seeking God. It encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, knowing that God is always ready to respond and reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
This verse assures us that when we seek God with our whole heart, we will find Him. It encourages us to pursue Him wholeheartedly, knowing that He desires to be known and found by His children.
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
This verse urges us to seek the Lord while we have the opportunity. It reminds us that God is near and ready to respond to our call. It encourages us to prioritize seeking Him in the present moment.
Deuteronomy 4:29
“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly seeking God. It assures us that when we earnestly seek Him, we will find Him. It reminds us that true fulfillment and satisfaction are found in Him alone.
Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate a personal and intimate prayer life with God. It teaches us the value of seeking Him privately, away from distractions, and assures us that our heavenly Father sees and rewards our sincere prayers.
Zephaniah 2:3
“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.”
This verse calls us to seek the Lord with humility and obedience. It emphasizes the importance of seeking righteousness and humility, knowing that in doing so, we may find favor and protection from the judgment and wrath of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 16:11
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
This verse reminds us to continually seek the Lord and rely on His strength. It encourages us to fix our gaze on Him and seek His face in every situation, trusting that He will provide and empower us.
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
This verse invites us to call upon the Lord and promises that He will answer us. It assures us that as we seek Him, He will reveal profound and hidden truths that we cannot discover on our own.
Hosea 10:12
“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”
This verse calls us to take intentional action in seeking the Lord. It encourages us to live righteously, experience the fruit of His unfailing love, and prepare our hearts for His coming. It reminds us that seeking the Lord is an ongoing process that leads to blessings and righteousness.