When Work is Hard: 5 Scriptures to Encourage and Strengthen You
Work for a lot of people-at least in my world-is challenging right now. As I consider the people I love, talk to regularly, and pray for, it’s weird that so many of them are struggling with work. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about work.

Show Notes:

Several people in my life are encountering work-related issues. One who recently quit a job and is having difficulty finding a new one. One who is in a job that is not the right fit and it’s sucking the life out of that person through fear and anxiety and exhaustion. One who is in a career they like but is currently unable to generate the work necessary to provide for the family. One who is a student who deals with daily anxiety and overwhelm as they approach upcoming tests and new material.

I am finding myself daily encouraging or praying for each of these people with the same five Scriptures. I am also constantly reminding myself of these truths as I approach my own work. They all speak to the truth about how God views work and what our attitude and focus should be when we approach work.

So, if you are discouraged in your work or you love someone who is, here are five verses of encouragement to speak or pray over your people.

Scripture #1

Proverbs 14:28 NIV

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 14:28 MSG

Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.

Scripture #2

Ephesians 6: 5-8 (AMPC):

5 Servants (slaves), be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself]—

6 Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul;

7 Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men,

8 Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.

Ephesians 6:5-8The MSG:

5-8 Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.

Scripture #3

Colossians 3:22-25 NLT

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.[e] 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Scripture #4

Philippians 2:14-17 NLT

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

Scripture #5

Philippians 4:11-13 CSB

for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him[a] who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13 AMP

for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

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