When we talk about thriving in our lives, one of the last things that come to mind is our jobs. We often think first about our families and the time we have outside of work. But when we look at the time we have, many people with careers spend much of their time at work or working. When you start a job, it is an exciting time filled with hope and joy. As months and years go by, many people find themselves dreading the thought of the weekend ending and heading to work on Monday mornings.
God calls us to do all things with a joyful heart and to rejoice Him in it, including our careers. “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,” Colossians 3:23-24. God does not call us to go to work only because we need the paycheck. He wants us to serve Him in the work we are doing. Whether you are an auto tech, teacher, nurse, doctor, or janitor, your job is meant to bless the Lord. From the relationships with your coworkers to the customers you interact with, your place of employment is your mission field to share the love of Jesus.
Turn to Prayer
If you are having a hard time at your job and feel like you are only surviving, take time to reflect on the career you are in. Whether you need a change of perspective, a conversation with your boss, or a new job altogether, it is crucial to find a way to find joy and happiness in your work. If you feel unsure about where God is leading you, you can turn to the Lord in prayer. God has a plan for you, and it is not to see you struggle in a job you feel stuck in. Listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you on your path.
Find Christian Counseling
When you bring home the stress and anxieties of your work, it spills over into your emotions, relationships with others, and relationship with God. If you are struggling with your job and are unsure what God’s plans are for you, talking with a Christian counselor can help you put things into perspective. A Christian counselor can help you find joy in your job and serve God through it.
Change Your Perspective
One of the best ways to have a positive experience at work is by surrounding yourself with the right people. Even if you love your career field, if you are in a toxic work environment, your work life can be significantly affected. Sometimes co-workers can be challenging to deal with or have a bad attitude and finding a way to share the love of Jesus can be challenging. Before taking a job, check out what the work atmosphere is like. If you are already committed to a job and are not ready to leave, find a way to change your attitude toward the people around you. Changing your mindset could change how others around you feel, which can change the tone in the office. Let God’s love shine through you and pray for change in your workplace.
God wants us to not only survive our day at work but thrive while being there. Isaiah 54:2 says, “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” The Lord wants us to thrive in all aspects of our lives. His plan is for us to have fulfilling lives in all areas. Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the world, and by working with a joyful heart, His love can shine through us to others.
