Finding God In UnemploymentSample

God’s Love Never Fails

Some of the challenges of unemployment—such as loss of income and slowed career progress—are obvious. However, unemployment can take a toll in other ways. Joblessness can remove our sense of purpose and identity. Depending on the reasons for our unemployment, we may struggle with feelings of shame or hopelessness. Fear for want of food or other provision may drive unrelenting anxiety. All of these things can hurt us. But they cannot triumph over us.

We may be very familiar with the verses from Romans 8 about God’s unfailing love. But have we ever thought about applying them in our unemployment?

Christ’s faithfulness—and ours, by God’s grace—overcomes the worst that life can do to us. If career progress, income, or prestige are our highest goals, we may end up disappointed; and that disappointment can be felt most acutely when we’re unable to find work. But if salvation—that is, reconciliation with God and people—is our chief hope, then we will find it amidst both good and bad, both in work and out of work. Christ died and rose and is at the right hand of God interceding for us. Even our darkest moments cannot separate us from God’s love. We can rest in that knowledge.

Prayer

Lord, I sometimes feel as though things present and things to come are separating me from your love. Help me remember that such is not the case. Rather, your love always enfolds me. Help me notice the ways you provide for me, and help me look for ways even now to advance your purposes in the world. Amen.

Further Exploration

Click to read more from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary about how Romans 8 can apply to work.