“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Psalm 3:5-6)
God has a plan for us, and that involves our work-life: whether it be the work we do, how we perform it, who we work with, and/or if it is time for a change.
Take a moment to consider the amount of time we spend at work and the opportunities as well as emotional impact it can have on us. Regularly talking to God and listening to Him about our work situation is crucial.
God wants to guide us in these steps; our role is to listen.
God wants us to hear what He has to say; our role is to listen.
God wants us to be encouraged and at peace; our role is to listen.
Spending time with the Lord to hear what He wants to tell us will give us the knowledge to do what He wants us to do, the wisdom to know how to do it, and the courage and peace to step into what might be an unknown or new situation.
I recall a past interview for a physiotherapy position at our clinic. When we asked the person about their experience with a well-known physiotherapy approach (which everyone in our clinic is expected to use), this person said they did not believe in it. When questioned further, it came to light that the interviewee had never taken a course on it nor used it. They made a statement about something known to be effective yet had never even tried it. Are we sometimes reacting that way? Are we saying “no” to something based on something other than trust or knowledge? God has told us He will direct our steps and that we do not need to be anxious or fearful. But we need to be taking time to listen to Him, so He can give us clear direction.
The Centre for Bible Engagement conducted a study in 2009 looking at people who read their Bible once, twice, three times, or four times per week. They found that reading the Bible less than four times per week did not change their lives. However, there was an exponential change in a person when they read the Bible four times per week. Unhealthy habits dramatically decreased, and spiritual habits significantly increased. This provides clear evidence to us of how often we need to be studying God’s Word and listening for His voice.
As you are listening to God and waiting on Him for direction on a specific issue, you must be honoring Him in all areas of your life: your actions, reactions, and interactions. While waiting on the Lord to know the right thing, we can continue doing the right things daily.
“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander who does no wrong to a neighbor and casts no slur on others; but honors those who fear the Lord who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:2-5)
In Part 1 and Part 2 in Overcoming Fear at Work, we shared ten initial steps to take. The active component was to expectantly read a Psalm every day and spend quiet time in a listening attitude toward God. Have you taken your specific fear to the Lord and listened to Him? If like the person we interviewed, you have not taken the time to listen quietly to the Lord, you therefore will not know how the Lord wants to guide and bless you. Make the choice to start today!
Taking This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, You know the fear I am dealing with. Help me to sit quietly before you, expectantly read a Psalm, and then just listen for You to speak. Help me to clear all distractions and solely focus on You. Speak to my heart, Lord, and help me listen well so I may hear Your voice and discern what I should be doing. I am so thankful that You want to give me clear direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Have a great week, and may God richly bless you as you commit to reading His Word at least four times per week as you intentionally listen for His Voice.
God Bless!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work