Did you know that 65% of Americans really dislike their jobs and that at least 15% hate them? Considering that you typically spend at least eight hours a day, five days a week working, this can be problematic! The good news, though, is that we can change the way we think about work. To help us do that, we’re going to begin a series of devotions dealing with how God moves in us to cultivate joy that brings new meaning to our work-life.  

When you think about your favorite job, what comes to mind? Were you ever employed in a place that, although you may have worked hard, you felt satisfied and completely alive? If so, hold that in one hand, and then ask yourself a second question — did you ever have a job that you hated? By hated, I mean a place where you felt trapped and stuck, unable to move because you had bills to pay but dreading the time that you spent there. Hold that memory in the other hand and think about the big difference it made in your overall well-being when you enjoyed your work as opposed to feeling stuck there! Now, put your hands down and rejoice in this good news that I have for you today: whether you hate it, love it, or just tolerate it, you don’t have to change your job to become passionate about what you do!

Friend, while culture tells you to assume a mindset that waits for something to be over, Jesus says that you can embrace every day and live as His ambassador; this is called avodah. Avodah is a Hebrew word that can be translated as work, worship, or service, and when used in the Old Testament, it implies a duality of purpose. In other words, in all work, there is an element of worship and service. We will explore this concept in greater detail in the days ahead, but for now, be encouraged in knowing that your work is your worship, and since God is in it, He can and will bring meaning and purpose to it. With Him, you have more than a job; you have a calling, and what He has called you to, He will faithfully and powerfully see you through!