Thursday, September 1, 2011

Dealing with unemployment – Waiting on God


Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

One of the messages of this verse is that our worth before God would be exactly the same even if we were to be unemployed. Our value was secured by what Jesus Christ did on a cross; it is not affected by how much or how little we do.

The Bible shows that God Himself works, and He created mankind to work. Since God intends for us to be working, what does He want us to do when we lose our job?

When some people lose a job, they find another job quickly. But for many, the dry spell between good jobs is long.  Even when we pray for God's help, months and sometimes years can go by between jobs.  Why does God allow that if He wants us to work?

As you study the Bible, you find that part of God's work is making better people out of us!  God knows that trials can build good character in us.  When we're unemployed, God can use that time to help us grow.

Guard Against Depression
Loss of income and financial security can cause unemployment depression and leave one stressed about money.  There is nothing worse than being unemployed and scared; wondering if you’ll ever find a job.  As a Christian dealing with depression due to unemployment, it is vital for you to guard your thoughts at all times during this transition.

The devil will use every opportunity he has to whisper doubt, fear, worry, anxiety and anything else that’s contrary to the spirit of the Lord.  Guard your thoughts and allow no room for the devil to plant seeds of despair and worry.

Cast Your Cares upon the Lord  - Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalms 55:22; NIV).“

Give your depression and worries to the Lord as the scripture encourages you to because the Lord does in fact care about your financial needs.  He cares even when you think He doesn’t, He understands although it may seem as though no one else understands; even when you feel alone and scared, God is there and He cares.

I encourage you to have a mind made-up in the Lord and to have the determination that you will get through this because you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).  I don’t care if you have to pray to the Lord 20 times a day in order for you to cast your worries upon Him; do it.  God will give you His peace during this season in exchange for your worries.

When we learn to cast our depression, worries and anxieties upon the Lord, God will provide us the peace and mindset needed to positively and faithfully get through the transition we face.

Dealing with unemployment is never easy; but dealing with unemployment AND depression doesn’t make the situation any better.  I encourage you to set your course to fight the emotional stress of unemployment and depression because you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.  It may not feel like it now, but at the end, you will come out of this standing victorious in the Lord.  Have faith in the Lord to grant you favor with employers and to provide you with a job.  Be encouraged because you’re not alone (…I will never desert you, nor will i ever forsake you. Hebrews 13:5b); your help comes from the Lord! (My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2).

Scripture to Claim:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4

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