When Your Job Weighs You Down

Reflect on God’s Word

The hit television show Undercover Boss puts company CEOs in situations where they are interacting, while disguised, with actual employees in their company. Many times it features a disgruntled franchise employee who doesn’t know they’re interacting with the big boss, which can get them into big trouble if their attitude is bad or their work is shoddy. But sometimes it features an employee who is doing the best job they can do and treating anyone—even the unknown newcomer who is actually the boss—like they’re the most important person in the world.

It’s an interesting premise: Do you do the best job you can no matter who you’re working with or who you’re serving? Or do you complain to your coworkers or even slack off when the boss isn’t around?

Colossians 3:23–24 says, “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.”

Work is one of the most common causes of stress in the United States.^* From long hours to low wages to high demands, jobs can take a toll on our health. Finding ways to combat this stress is essential. So what does “working for the Lord” look like?

First of all, trust in the Lord’s provision is essential. Do you believe that your job was provided by God, or did you get it by your own efforts? If you took the job you currently have knowing it might not be a good fit, but it was all you could find, consider asking God to provide you with something that would better meet your needs. But in the meantime, while you are there, give it your all. Be a diligent and dedicated worker, knowing that ultimately, God is your boss.

If you are in a high-pressure job that is stealing your joy, time with your family, and your health, even if it means adjusting your lifestyle and making less money, consider scaling back or finding something different that will allow you to focus on the things that are most important: your faith, your family, and your health. Working for the Lord does not mean working your fingers to the bone and putting your health at risk. It means dedicating what you do to him and letting him lead and guide you in your job.

Maybe you simply could find no other job, but this one is not providing you with enough money to pay your bills. God sees you and he cares. He will meet your needs in ways that you can’t imagine. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7–11, “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. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

God is not an “undercover boss.” He is right out front telling you that he’s the one you’re serving with your work. But he will always be a fair and kind boss, treating everyone with love and justice. You might not feel that way in your current job. But how you approach your work, the value you find in it, can make a difference.

When you were hired, you were hired for a certain job. Let’s take restaurant work, for example. Maybe you were hired to be a dishwasher. That’s a very important job. If dishes and utensils and pots and pans aren’t washed, cooking and serving could not be done. It’s not a glamorous job, to be sure, but it’s necessary for the working of the restaurant. How you do your job will make an impression on those around you and may even point someone to Christ.

Or maybe you were hired to be a server. It’s definitely hard work, and sometimes you have to put up with grouchy and demanding people. But it’s an important job in the food-service business. You might look at your manager and see that they make a lot more money than you do for what appears to be work that isn’t as hard as yours. Or maybe you feel like they’re doing a terrible job. How you’re treated may cause you to desire to do a less-than-stellar job. Your response to your situation, the attitude of servanthood you bring, can show people that your dependence is on Christ.

God wants you to thrive in your workplace just as he does in every other part of your life. If things are less than satisfactory to you, consider where that dissatisfaction stems from. Talk to your heavenly Father about your job. And then listen to what he has to say to you.

Remember, when you ask for wisdom and believe he will give it, God will bring clarity to your situation. He cares about you and what you do for a living. Work for him and let him provide for your needs.

Release Your Everyday Concerns

As you think about your job situation, exhale any frustrations or stress you might be feeling about your job. The Lord is with you as you work. As you relate to your coworkers, he is your confidence. As you worry about making ends meet, he is your provider. As you struggle to find your place, he is your home.

Spend some time seeking the wisdom of God about your job. As you seek the Lord’s will concerning life at work, ask him if there is anything you need to do differently.

Perhaps you need to focus more on pleasing the Lord and not man, being satisfied with the job you have instead of desiring someone else’s. Or perhaps you need to ask God to provide another job.

Whatever the issue, quietly seek the Lord’s will for several moments.

How can you positively affect your workplace by considering God to be your boss?

Remember, you are valuable in the workplace. When you focus on working for the Lord, doing the job that he has given you to do, you will have a greater sense of peace and satisfaction.

Gracious God, thank you for being with me in the workplace. When my job is stressful, help me know you are there. Please give me your peace that surpasses all understanding. I ask for unity with my coworkers and the understanding of my employer. Help me remember that, ultimately, I work for you. Help me have the heart of a servant, but also help me know when it’s time to make a change. Thank you for your Word that reminds me that you are my provider, and you will give me the work you want me to do. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.

JOURNAL PROMPT: If you feel overwhelmed by your job situation, please know you are not alone. Write down your concerns to the Lord and know that he cares about you. You are valuable to him, and he will guide your steps.