What can I do to stay encouraged when finding a good job seems impossible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

It is hard to stay encouraged when trying to find a good job. However, understanding God’s goodness and plans helps us to not lose heart as we keep trying to find a job. God cares about the intentions of our hearts even amid our daily actions, such as looking for a job. In Proverbs 3:5–6, we are reminded to involve God in our job search by asking Him for clear guidance. Jeremiah 17:7-8 makes it clear that trusting God in all circumstances will strengthen us during life’s trials, and in Jeremiah 29:11, we are reminded of how God’s plans for the Israelites were good despite their difficult situation.

Romans 8:28–29 also tells us that God will work things together for good for those who love Him: “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his (God’s) purpose.” In Philippians 4:4–7 we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord “always” and to “not be anxious about anything” but rather “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” let our “requests be made known to God.” We can hold onto God’s good character and promises in His Word to encourage us when looking for a good job. We can also rely on one another in the body of Christ to stay encouraged. God will bring good as we seek and wait for a good job and when that job finally arrives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• While we might worry about appearing lazy or a failure to others when trying to find a good job, we need to remember that God is not worried about our appearance to others. On the contrary, He is concerned about the condition of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
• In Psalm 139:23-24, King David says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” We should ask God to search our hearts and redirect us if we have an attitude of presumptuousness or covetousness regarding what kind of job we want or when we are unsuccessful in finding a good job.
• As we pursue a job, we can ask God for clear direction in our search. He is faithful to guide us if we rely on Him: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• Jeremiah 17:7-8 is a beautiful verse that we can study as we go through any waiting season in our lives: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." When we trust in the Lord, we can live without fear when the “heat” of job rejections hit us or when we experience a season of “drought” in which we cannot find a job—even in such difficult trials, we can still “bear fruit” through pursuing a relationship with the Lord.
• In Jeremiah 29:11, God says to Israelites in Babylon: “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.” Although we are in a different situation, we can trust that God is still the same God He was back then, and we can trust that He cares about our job situation. Our suffering, as we wait or get rejected from jobs, is not in vain.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Whatever challenging situation we are in, we can trust that if we are in Christ, “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28–29). In our season of trial, we can draw close to Him and pursue deepening our trust in Christ.
• "Rejoice in the Lord always." This is one of the easiest things to say and the hardest things to put into practice, especially in the midst of a prolonged job search. Philippians 4:4–7 says "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we choose to be thankful and cast our anxiety on the Lord, He promises to guard us with His peace.
• We need to stay connected to Christ and His Body, the Church, so that we can stay encouraged. Isolation leads to discouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25), so we need to stay connected to others who can help encourage us. God will be faithful to encourage us, too, when we seek Him.
• One of the most crucial things we should ask of God during our job search is clear direction: “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). God is faithful to direct us when we rely on Him rather than our own efforts.
• Sometimes our pursuit in finding a job can feel hopeless. We need to remember that we have an enemy, Satan, who would love nothing more than to keep us discouraged and downtrodden: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must therefore focus on our abiding relationship in Christ during this time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Oftentimes, we may apply for jobs with a mindset that we “deserve” the job or that God “owes” it to us. If we are thinking this way, we need to take a step back to look at the sinful attitude of our heart: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Sometimes finding a job can feel like an endless and discouraging process, but we should remind ourselves that we are not alone. Through every trial and tribulation, we who are God’s children have a loving Father (1 John 3:1) who is able to help carry our burdens (​​Psalm 55:22). Even in our waiting season or during the times in which we face disappointments from getting rejected from jobs, God desires for us to be thankful. One way we can do this is by asking God to give us the wisdom on how we can use our free time during our unemployment. Despite our circumstances and frustrations, we can meditate on His faithfulness and goodness. Ultimately, we can ask God how we can be a partner with Him as He accomplishes His plans and purposes for our life—-even during our waiting season of unemployment.

UNDERSTAND

• We can pursue God for wisdom and encouragement when searching for a job.
• God can help navigate the negative emotions we face when dealing with job rejection.
• In seasons of waiting, such as when seeking a job, we can still be thankful.

REFLECT

• How do you respond emotionally and spiritually to job rejections, and where do you turn for encouragement?
• How might God be using this time of waiting for a job to shape or grow you in ways you didn’t expect?
• What role does gratitude play in your outlook as you search for a job, and how can it impact your mindset?

ENGAGE

• How can we support each other in finding encouragement and purpose during seasons of job searching?
• In what practical ways can we rely on God’s guidance together when we feel discouraged by setbacks in our careers?
• How can we help one another stay grateful and hopeful during times of waiting, especially when prayers seem unanswered?