“I’m Unemployed And I Don’t Know What To Do”

It’s so easy to be overwhelmed. When we’re out of work, we’re like an egg in a vise. The pressure builds and builds until it feels like the egg will crack. It’s hard to think straight... hard to concentrate on writing a resume… even hard to get up every morning.

What’s wonderful is that God understands pressure. He knows all the things you need and all the things you think you need.

As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

Psalm 119:143 (New Living Translation)

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!"

Matthew 6:7-8 (NLT)

He also knows exactly how to provide peace in tough situations.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.

And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

So don’t be troubled or afraid."

John 14:27 (NLT)

But, He never forces you to be at peace. He waits. He works the circumstances. He may even allow things to get tougher so that we realize we can’t do it on our own and that we need Him to intercede.

This is the situation in which the Bible’s King Jehoshaphat found himself. He was surrounded by a vast enemy force. That sounds just like my daily situation during unemployment. Then, he prays to God and his prayer is very simple. It is specifically the prayer we should each be praying every day.

…, “Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague,

or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored.  We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.”

2 Chronicles 20:9 (NLT)

“O our God, won’t you stop them?

We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us.

We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT)

If I turn my eyes away from all my troubles and focus on God as my holy confidence, He knows what to do. Go see your pastor and ask him to pray with you. You’ll be amazed at God’s answer.

…“This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid!

Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army,

for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT)

God fights for you. Wow! That’s what we all need in our job search. Now, I’m not talking about treating God like an ATM – put your prayer in and out pops just what you ask for. But look to God. Ask Him to help you draw closer to Him, depend on Him, and trust in Him. He’ll come through for you. That’s what He does.