Finding God In UnemploymentSample

Faithfulness in Adversity

The temptation to believe falsehoods about God is very real when we are unemployed. In our suffering, we can become bitter against God or believe that God is against us. We see these temptations in the story of Job.

In the book of Job, Satan hopes to set a trap for Job, who is widely renowned for being a good and righteous man. Satan says to God that if he removes the blessings he has so richly bestowed on Job, Job will curse God to his face. If Satan can get Job to believe he is being punished by God, Job will be caught in either of two traps. He may abandon his righteous habits in the mistaken assumption that they are offensive to God. Or, better yet from Satan’s point of view, he will become bitter at God for his undeserved punishment, and abandon God altogether.

In times of discouragement and uncertainty, it may help to remember that lies about God’s character are traps set by the accuser, Satan. It is alright to be angry at our circumstances—the Psalms are full of people who express their anger and frustration to God. However, we can let that anger lead us into greater honesty before God and deeper trust in him, instead of bitter resentment.

Even at his lowest moment, Job blessed God’s authority over all the circumstances of life, good and bad: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). During seasons of unemployment, we can trust that God’s goodness remains the same.

Prayer

Blessed be your name, Lord, even in times of trouble. I don’t understand everything I am going through right now, but I pray that you will give me wisdom and discernment. Help me be honest with you about my doubts and frustrations. Help me grow in my relationship with you. Amen.

Further Exploration

Click to read more from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary about how the book of Job applies to work.