Routed in Prayer: A Devotional for Those Starting New JobsParaugs

Day 4: ‘Name-drop Jesus?’

Express Route

Testimony is a powerful way to share something of who God is to you and how you experience His presence and work in your life. Today, use Psalm 18 to reflect on how God has been your rock and fortress throughout your Christian life. Consider asking your colleagues bigger questions than the usual small talk, and seek to get to know those around you on a deeper level. 

Scenic Route

Read: Psalm 18 

Reflect: One of the (many) pieces of advice I received when I started university was this: Name-drop Jesus within 24 hours.

I think that’s broadly good advice for university. I’m less sure about whether it’s as effective in the workplace. Uni is about making friends, learning and trying new things, finding your feet in a world away from home for the first time. Work is about, well, work. So, what might it look like to talk about your faith in the context of your new workplace?

Psalm 18 was written by David when God delivered him from the hand of Saul. So significant is the deliverance that the same psalm appears in 2 Samuel 22. It’s a declaration of what the Lord did for David in his time of need – a clear testimony. The use of the personal pronoun – my rock, my fortress, my deliverer – makes it profoundly personal.

The wonderful thing about testimony is that someone’s experience cannot be written off with a Google fact-check. Story is a powerful vehicle for getting messages across. Testimony tends to have far more impact on people and relationships than simple fact-statements.

As you consider what it looks like to be a Christian in your new workplace, reflect on how you can discover more about others’ stories and life experiences. Then think about how you can testify to God’s goodness in your life as you share something of your story, about how God has been your rock, your fortress, your deliverer. 

Conversation openers like ‘tell me about yourself’ or ‘what’s your story?’ have an ability to get us beyond small talk and into deepening relationships. More often than not, if you ask someone for their story, or something about their life, they’ll respond in kind.

Pray: Spend some time with God reflecting on what you would like to understand about your new colleagues, and what you would like them to know about you. Seek God’s wisdom in how to start deeper conversations and ask for His courage as you share your faith with those around you.