Finding a good job can seem daunting and even impossible at times. When faced with rejection after rejection, it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up. However, God’s Word offers hope, perspective and practical advice when the job search seems fruitless. Here’s an overview of biblical truths and principles that can encourage you to press on.
Remember God’s Sovereignty and Trust His Timing
God is sovereign over every circumstance of life (Psalm 115:3). He has a plan and purpose for your life, including your work and career (Jeremiah 29:11). Even when you can’t understand why finding a job is so difficult, you can trust that God knows what He is doing. He can open doors that no one can shut and close doors that no one can open (Revelation 3:7). Rest in His perfect timing and trust that He will provide a job at the right time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Examples of encouraging verses:
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Stay Persistent and Don’t Give Up
The job search can be exhausting and discouraging, but God encourages us to persist and not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). Just like the persistent widow who kept appealing to the unjust judge until she got what she requested (Luke 18:1-8), be diligent and don’t give up. Keep applying, networking and looking for opportunities. Something will open up at the right time.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
“Let your steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)
Trust God to Provide Your “Daily Bread”
One way to stay encouraged is to trust God to meet your needs each day. Jesus taught us to pray “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Ask Him for provision and strength just for today. He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). He fed His people daily manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5), and He will provide for you.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Reflect on Biblical Examples of Waiting on God
When you feel discouraged, reflect on biblical examples of those who had to wait patiently for God’s timing and plans. Abraham and Sarah had to wait decades for the promised child (Genesis 18:10). Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before rising to power in Egypt (Genesis 37-41). David had to wait many years before becoming king after being anointed (1 Samuel 16:1-13). God is still the same – trust His timing for your life.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)
Pray for God to Open the Right Job Opportunity
Keep praying and asking God to open the right job opportunity in His perfect timing (Matthew 7:7). Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” He knows the deepest desires and gifts He has put in you. Keep seeking Him, and He will open the right doors. Also pray for Him to prepare you for whatever opportunity He has for you next.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4)
Trust God to Sustain You Financially
Money worries can be a huge discouragement when unemployed. Yet God promises to meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19). He fed Elijah through ravens while hiding in the wilderness (1 Kings 17:2-6). He may provide through unexpected blessings from other people. Most importantly, keep seeking His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6), so trust Him in the lean times.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body…” (Matthew 6:25)
Ask Fellow Believers to Pray for You
Don’t underestimate the power of asking others to pray for you. The earnest prayer of the righteous has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:16). Ask Christian friends, family and your church community to join you in praying for God’s provision during this time. Also pray for others struggling with unemployment. Carrying each other’s burdens fulfills Christ’s law of love (Galatians 6:2).
Examples of encouraging verses:
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Focus on Serving God Wherever You Are
While waiting on God’s timing, embrace where He has you right now. Follow Jesus’ example when He washed the disciples feet – be a servant wherever He leads you each day (John 13:1-17). Look for ways to serve others at your church and community. When you focus on service, discouragement lifts. God is more concerned with your character than your comfort or success.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Remember God’s Faithfulness in Your Life
Discouragement blinds us to God’s past faithfulness. Take time to remember specific examples of His provision and blessings in your life already. The Israelites set up stone memorials to remind future generations of God’s faithfulness and miracles (Joshua 4:20-24). Set up your own memorial – maybe it’s journaling past examples or sharing your testimony with a struggling friend. Remembering builds faith for the future.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11)
Trust God’s Plan to Prosper You
God’s plans for you are for hope and a future, to give you purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). Cling tightly to His promises for your life. Don’t believe discouragement’s false narrative that “God has forgotten you.” He sees your situation – and is working to prosper and bless you in His perfect way and time.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Ask God to Renew Your Hope and Strength
When you feel crushed and defeated, be honest and ask God to renew your strength and hope in Him. David cried out, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” (Psalm 119:28) God understands discouragement and is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Ask Him to rekindle your hope in His power, plans and purpose for your life.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
Stay in Community With Other Believers
Don’t isolate yourself when discouraged. God calls us to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). Keep gathering together with other believers. Share your struggles and pray for each other. When someone finds a job, rejoice and be genuinely happy for them. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Community keeps our eyes on what God is doing.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” (Romans 12:15-16)
Ask God to Fill You With His Joy and Peace
Discouragement and despair can feel all-consuming. Yet God promises a peace that transcends circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7). Ask Him to fill your mind with His joy and peace. Isaiah 26:3 says God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on Him. Play worship music, meditate on Scripture, express gratitude – do anything to fix your mind on Christ. His joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Examples of encouraging verses:
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
Remember Your True Identity and Worth in Christ
Job loss can make you feel like a failure, but remember your identity is not found in your work. You have immeasurable worth because you are made in God’s image and loved by Him. Jesus’ death proves your infinite worth to Him. You are saved by His grace, not your achievements. You are a child of God – adopted and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). No one can take that away.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Worship and Thank God for Who He Is
In tough times, worship God simply for who He is – all His goodness, love, wisdom, power, grace, and sovereignty. Thank Him that He is trustworthy, faithful, righteous, and true. Praise Him as your rock, fortress, strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2). Proclaim His unfailing love (Psalm 143:8). Worship shifts focus to God’s eternal nature and character. He never changes, even when circumstances do.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145: 1-2)
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
Look Forward to Eternity with Perspective
This world is not our ultimate home. We have an inheritance waiting in eternity (1 Peter 1:4). Paul said “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). With eternal perspective, present troubles seem smaller. Let discouragement drive you closer to God and heaven. Suffering produces perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4). Allow earthly setbacks to prepare you for eternity.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Trust God to Work All Things for Your Good
When circumstances seem against you, trust God’s promise in Romans 8:28 – He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Even in times of trouble, He has not abandoned His plan to prosper you (Jeremiah 29:11). With God, there are no accidents or bad luck. Ask Him to show you what He wants you to learn in this time. Thank Him in advance for the blessings that will come from the struggle.
Examples of encouraging verses:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3)
Conclusion
The struggle to find work can be extremely difficult. However, God promises to sustain us and turn even our pain into good. Cling to Him daily; He will renew your hope and strength. Rest in His sovereignty, timing, purposes and abundant grace and provision for your life. With God’s joy, peace and perspective, you can press on with perseverance and trust. In due time, He will open the right doors as you persist in faith.