Routed in Prayer: A Devotional for Those Starting New JobsНамуна

Day 1: And breathe

Express Route

Here we go! New job, first day. Whether you’re absolutely buzzing or very apprehensive, there’s no getting round the fact that this is a big moment. There’s probably plenty occupying your mind right now, but take a moment before you begin to remind yourself of God’s deep love for you and presence with you… today and in the weeks and months to come.

Scenic Route

Read: Psalm 23 

Reflect: Sometimes, Taylor Swift says it best. ‘Take a deep breath as you walk through the door, it’s the morning of your very first day.’ So how are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Raring to go? Let’s start by taking a deep breath. 

Slowly. 

In. 

Then out.

This is today, this is where we are, and this is where God meets us. 

And so this is where we start: with the outrageously beautiful truth that our whole lives matter to the God of the universe. New jobs, new commutes, new colleagues, and all.

Psalm 23 is one of the best-known and best-loved passages in Scripture. Written by David, it is a reflection on God’s presence in his everyday life. For David, that meant the tabernacle, battles, fatherhood, music, crazy worship dancing, and even the unglamorous time in obscurity managing his family’s sheep. Times of green-pasture plenty, quiet-water stillness, and shadow-of-death uncertainty.

Your day ahead is likely full of uncertainty, which will either fill you with joy or apprehension… or maybe a strange mix of the two. As you step out of your front door and head off on your new commute with whatever feelings you carry, God is present. He is a God interested in the whole of our lives. Families and friendships, studies and new jobs, office politics, and outstanding bills... even that moment when we take a deep breath and push open the door to our new workplace. 

As Thomas Chisholm wrote in his beloved hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness, God has given you ‘strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow’. You need not be afraid, for the Lord God of Hosts, the King of the Universe, the one who flung stars into space, is with you. And when the Lord is your shepherd, you lack nothing.

Pray: Whenever you feel your mind wandering or your heart racing today, pause to take a breath. Bring to mind the opening words of this psalm: ‘The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing’. Thank God that not only is He intensely interested in you and your job, but He loves you and is present with you today and every day.