By: Natasha W. Boyd
Hustle culture is running rampant these days. Unfortunately, people have been led to believe that if they aren't hustling they aren't successful. Though some are fruitful in their hustle, we have to stop and think what's it all for. As Christians, I truly believe that God did not create us to chase after hustle but to chase after His heart. You can't do both.
Adam wasn't required to toil until he fell away from God in sin. He was given a job and a purpose but not a hustle. (Genesis 3:23) God gave Jacob divine strategies to make him a wealthy and profitable man. Jacob did not have to work in his own power for his wealth. He just had to be obedient and seek after God for divine strategy to be imparted to him. (Genesis 31:10) David's whole life was built around worshiping and exalting God. Worship and chasing after God made him a great and wise King. (2 Samuel 5:12)
As women, we often strive to be like the Proverbs 31:10 woman. In this scripture, we read about all the great things she is doing. She is making wise business moves, making clothing, and taking stock and pride in her household. We read about her life and think we need to do it all but we tend to miss one vital piece that puts all she is doing into perspective. "But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 AMP
She is being led by the Lord in all she does. Nothing she does is without wisdom and guidance from Him. She is not chasing after anything but being led by the Holy Spirit who is guiding her to do these wise things. Through following Him, she finds peace and prosperity. "Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]."Proverbs 31:25 AMP
God promises us many blessings. It's not something we have to chase. I believe these blessings are already ours because He said so. The only condition to these blessings manifesting, is obedience. "All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2 AMP
In our hustle, many of us are chasing recognition and clout but God already promised us something much greater. To be known as blessed. What could be greater than that?! All we have to do is keep His commandments, which are loving Him, loving others and living in His ways. "The Lord will establish you as a people holy [and set apart] to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk [that is, live your life each and every day] in His ways. Deuteronomy 28:9 AMP
I realize this is not easy for many of us. Most of us are selfish, self-righteous arrogant, unforgiving, and prideful. We don't know how to walk in His ways or have the character of God. That's where relationship comes in. We cant know how to do what we aren't taught. We learn, by growing closer in relationship with God.
Reading the word and spending time in prayer helps to grow your relationship. I know reading the bible is not everyone's idea if a good time and some might think the stories are just too far fetched. However, through personal experience, I've found some of the stories I've read in the bible are better than any book I've ever read. Even if you don't believe everything you read is true, or "happened in real life", you will find great parallels to your human life and experience and the characters in the bible. They are so relatable.
Reading the bible also helps us remember we don't have to be perfect but we can strive to be like the one who is perfect and that's Jesus. Striving to be like Him leads to such a better quality of life. "Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences]," Proverbs 3:13 AMP
I've found that hustle and lack of discernment, lead to stress and anxiety. So many of us are suffering from this today because we are listening to others and not listening to God. "When your dread and panic come like a storm, And your disaster comes like a whirlwind, When anxiety and distress come upon you [as retribution]. Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer; They will seek me eagerly but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect]," Proverbs 1:27-29 AMP
So let's rid ourselves of anxiety, panic, and stress through hustle. Instead let's chase after the heart of God and only be led to do things He he wants us to do.
コメント