Routed in Prayer: A Devotional for Those Starting New JobsНамуна

Day 7: Hi ho, hi ho...

Express Route

A new job means a new commute and a new routine. Using our journeys to work – in the car, on foot, or via public transport – productively and for the glory of God is an exciting opportunity. The songs of ascent, including today’s passage, offer us reassurance of God’s provision and protection over not only our commutes but the whole of our lives.

Scenic Route

Read: Psalm 121

Reflect: As a child, I was both enthralled by and terrified of escalators. I loved the idea of a moving staircase, but I was petrified of stepping on and off one. I was worried I would somehow get swallowed up and eaten alive by the internal mechanism. 

A new job means a new commute. Perhaps this idea enthrals you – a new journey! A new routine! More time to read books and listen to a favourite podcast! Or perhaps you’re wondering how you’re going to use all that ‘dead time’ effectively.

Whether you’re crammed into a train, stuck in traffic jams, or bustling through the city crowds, a new commute will present a series of new experiences and challenges as you navigate not just a new workplace but a new journey there as well. 

Psalm 121 is a song of ascents – a psalm that is believed to have been sung by worshippers as they made their way to Jerusalem. It’s a journeying psalm, one we can draw on in our commute to work.

It promises that God ‘will not let your foot slip’ as you ascend (even on an escalator, I hope), and reminds you – no matter the journey or commute you find yourself on – to raise your eyes and understand that ‘the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore’. Whether through prayer, Bible study, daydreaming, reading, listening to podcasts, or catching up with all your unread WhatsApp messages, how you do that is up to you.

Escalator or no escalator, your commute is watched over by God. He is attentive to you at every moment of your journey, hears your prayers, and guides your feet.

Pray: As you complete your journey into work this morning, take a mental note of some key landmarks you pass – maybe specific roads, buildings, or bus/train stops. Pray for different things between each stop (your colleagues, your to-do list, your friends, your family, the day’s headlines). Try to make this a habit, using the landmarks as prompts to pray on your commute every day.