Anxiety About WorkSýnishorn

Anxiety about bosses and coworkers

Other people can cause anxiety at work. They might be unreliable, let you down in a pinch, or stand in the way of your progress. Or you might have a boss or coworker who is downright hostile. What can you do when other people are the source of your workplace anxiety?

Daniel faced these hardships on the job. He had a boss who was a violent narcissist. His coworkers were actively trying to undermine him. What did Daniel do? He didn’t retaliate or stoop to the political machinations of his coworkers. Instead, Daniel went about his job like normal. He went on “just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10). He went into his room and prayed. He gave thanks to God and asked for God’s help.

Daniel’s prayer did not save him from having to go through trials. Daniel still got thrown into the Lion’s den. But God used Daniel’s ordeal for good. Thanks to Daniel’s faithfulness in the face of opposition, the pagan king ended up praising Daniel’s God. And in the end Daniel prospered in his work in Persia, despite the people problem that had plagued his work environment. 

More importantly, God saved Daniel from anxiety in these times of workplace strife. Daniel did his job: showing up, praying, thanking God, and asking for God’s help. God did the rest of the work, taking care of Daniel and ultimately prospering him in his workplace. 

If you have hostile coworkers or management, ask God for help. Pray for your coworkers. Don’t retaliate or stoop to their level. Show up to do your work as best you can. And think about what you can thank God for in your current circumstances. Your workplace enemies may end up impressed by your faith.

Prayer: God, help me through the trials of working with other people. Protect my character from any attacks. Give me faith when other people hurt me or let me down. I thank you for the opportunity to bring good out of difficult situations. Amen.

Option for Further Exploration: Read more about Daniel’s workplace in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.