J – Jobs with God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}
“Man’s main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life.”
– Viktor Frankl
J—Jobs
“I don’t want to do this today.”
How often do we say this? The task in front of us isn’t always fun. Or easy.
And, we might wonder, is it even meaningful?
But if we look at our job—whether it’s one for a day, a season, or a lifetime—as a specific doorway to walk through for an encounter with God, we can embrace it instead of brushing it off.
We’re each called to individual responsibilities. But our assignments are more than they appear to be.
While our work (paid or not) may look like it is only organizing an office or paying a bill or cleaning a house, it is much more.
Each job is an outlet to love. To love God, to love other people, and to love ourselves.
Behind every duty is an opportunity to work alongside God. He wants us to partner with him in his larger ministry to love every human being, to show them that they matter, to impress on them his image.
Try This
What’s your job(s) today?
Why are you doing it?
Dig deeper into your motivation.
- Does it help someone else do their job better?
- Does it make a process work more smoothly?
- Is it a steppingstone to meet other needs?
Can you do it in a way that makes God look good?
Whatever you do today, remember God is alongside you, doing it with you and in you.
God’s presence is your partner. It’s not just something to imagine; it’s a reality to know.
Learn More
- Is Your To-Do List Holy?
As believers, do our to-do lists look any different than anybody else’s? Maybe not on the surface, but here’s where they can be different. - Use Your Hands to Touch a Heart
Without the human touch, the world would be an empty place. - The Power of Presence
“Help me know how to rely on your presence more than I rely on my words.” – Scotty Smith - Your Job Matters
I hesitate. Because the more you know, the more you’re responsible for. Do I want to know more?
* * *
In addition to this 31 days series, I’m also in the middle of a year of “Welcome.” This month I’m welcoming “meaningful work.” Here is the index for the Spiritual Practice of Welcoming.
What’s your job this week, whether at home or at work? How can you stay more aware of God’s presence alongside you? Please share in the comments.
Coming up tomorrow:
- K – Kisses
Who do you allow your lips to touch?
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- I – Intuitively Hearing from God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}
- K – Kisses from God {26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God, A-Z}
There is just me and a couple of crazy cats who do nothing but sleep all day – that’s me and the cats 🙂 but after going food shopping yesterday i had to go back to the supermarket today to get cat food, how could i have forgotten cat food? Easy i shopped at a different store.
Ha. I do things like that too, Beverley. Maybe you were meant to go back to the store a second time. 🙂
Lisa- what a great reminder! The housework is overwhelming, but I have been using prayer cards that pray for my family members as I work through each room.
The opening quote by Viktor Frankl was great! Eye-opening book!
#CoffeeforYourHeart
Julie
What a blessing to your family, Julie. Not only will they enjoy a clean space, but they will have been prayed for today as well! That’s definitely using your job well, partnering with God in the big things.
Whenever I think of “Jobs” I think of Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” My #1 job (least I think so) is to promote Jesus in all I say and do. Doing that will make a difference in how I conduct myself.
Great addition to share that verse, Bill. That sums it all up, yes?
Dear Lisa
This is something I have only realised recently, and I am much happier. What ever I am doing, what I am /really/ doing is glorifying God. Actually, put like that it’s a fairly terrifying challenge. But in a way it’s easier and happier to find self-worth in glorifying God than in trying to make ends meet and trying to find paid work that is “interesting”. — even if my glorifying is a bit haphazard and intermittent. Then with mundane tasks and “uninteresting” work, the focus is removed from the task onto the people being helped (renewed) through the task.
I love your last three lines.
David
Beautifully explained, David. That’s what I was trying to say all along. 🙂 What we’re doing on the surface is rarely our real work. I’m thankful for that because often what I’m doing on the outside seems quite mundane.
I’m glad the last 3 lines resonated with you. Thank you for your attentiveness to the words and message.
My job is to encourage others–my family, my students, the people who read my blog and any other random people God places in my path :).
And you do your job well, Anita! Thanks for encouraging me, too. 🙂
I needed to hear this, Lisa. Yes, every job we do in our day should be about bringing glory to God. He’s that audience of One that I so want to please. If I can keep my eyes fixed on Him, the rest of my day goes so much better and, as you’ve said, seems to encourage others as well. Thanks for encouraging us, my friend!
Your words definitely bring God glory, Beth. You’ve provided such a needed ministry online as you help us all keep our relationships stronger. Praying for your shingles to disappear quickly!
I just penned a post yesterday, for down the road, about me losing it at work. No one knew I lost it, but I did in both senses.
It’s tough to fight against the laws of fallen nature, but each task is an opportunity… I guess another chance is another gift.
I’ll look forward to reading that post, Floyd. We all lose it from time to time. Thankful for grace to regain it. Yes, another chance is another gift!
My job is definitely a blessing but lately, I’ve been struggling with being as grateful for it as I should be. Good convicting post, Lisa!
Praying that you’ll see underlying purpose in your job this week, June! I know it can be a struggle at times to uncover those blessings….