7 Scriptures to Read before You Go to Work

Things (and people!) would be so much easier to deal with if we could stay home every day. Close the drapes, lock the doors, and shut out the rest of the world.

You’re nodding your head, aren’t you?

But most of us need to pay off our mortgages and eat something besides Ramen. That means we’ve got to work. And that means there’s a good chance we’re going to be hit by some things during the day that will push us to our limits, make us feel stressed, hopeless, and even angry.

Thankfully, we followers of Christ have help, to prepare us for and guide us through our workday woes, in the form of God’s Word.

Setting aside time to spend in Scripture each morning not only deepens our understanding of God and our relationship with Him but also sets the tone for the rest of our day. When we take time to put Him first we’re exhibiting our trust in Him to walk with us throughout the day.

Grab some encouragement and godly wisdom in preparation for your workday by reading these 7 Scriptures

1. This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Let me guess—you didn’t sleep well last night. Rolled around, tossed and turned, thought of all you had to do. Dozed off just about the time the alarm clock started blaring at you, right? (Those under-eye bags that look like they’re packed for a month-long stay to Tahiti gave it away.)

Despite your feeling (and maybe even looking) like you just stepped off the set of The Walking Dead, there’s good news—you are alive! So grab your third cup of joe, say a prayer for God to help you prepare your heart for the day, and let this verse be your mantra.

2. …Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. Ephesians 4:1-2 AMP

Sometimes just getting to work can put our patience to the test. So many scenarios to steal our peace before we even clock in: The traffic jam that has you rethinking that third cup of coffee. The fact your car obviously has a cloak of invisibility feature, which explains why everyone keeps pulling out in front of you and cutting you off. And that co-worker who insists on parking in “your spot” day after day.

Take a second to think about how caving to your feelings—yelling, arguing, and uh, ahem, gesturing, goes against the word of God by checking out this Scripture passage.

3. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

I once heard a story about a guy who’d taken a job many of us would refer to as a “last resort.” One that definitely wasn’t part of his plan for his future—a menial job. Though this man didn’t understand why God would put him in such a place, he committed to do his very best no matter what.

This job that had at one time made no sense would, in fact, be the origin of what would become a worldwide ministry. God had placed him in this position so he could meet other Christians who would help him achieve a dream he could never have imagined. He also met his future wife at this very same job.

Maybe your current job is a bit of nightmare. But, what if God has positioned you there for a reason—as part of a better plan. What if you just need to be patient and make the best of it?

Listen, I’m not trying to kill your life-long fantasy of becoming a highly-paid test subject. Who am I to say that monitoring the effects of excessive chocolate intake paired with perpetual snuggling of chinchillas isn’t valid research? (Actually, where can I sign up?)

But just in case your dream takes a while longer to materialize, keep Colossians 3:23-24 handy.

4. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:12-13

Backstabbing Barbara, Nosey Rosie, Wilma Whiner, Negative Nellie, and that knucklehead poor soul who so badly wants to do a good job but just can’t seem to get it right. Every workplace has their share of personalities that make for an interesting and often annoying day.

By the way, which one are you? (Forgive me, but I happen to be a Nosey Rosie, obviously.)

Today, why not choose to be Gracious Grace or Longsuffering Larry, practicing a spirit of forgiveness and kindness to your coworkers. Keep Colossians 3:12-13 posted at your workstation.

5. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Not that you don’t already know this, but there’s a whopping chance you’re going to feel overwhelmed today. Stacked-high unfinished tasks from yesterday. Piles of new tasks you know you’ll never have time to get to—not enough hours in the day. Not to mention that heap of laundry and pile of dishes that’ll be right there waiting for you when you get home from work. (I’m also a bit of a Debbie Downer, obviously.)

All the accountability and responsibility piled high. New headaches merging with old ones, stacking up and overheating your very core. Before you blow your stack, take a deep breath and meditate on these words from 1 Peter.

6. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

You know what happens in the afternoon, don’t you? That’s right—it’s time for the two-o’clock slump. After running your-already-exhausted-self ragged herding cats and fighting fires, the caffeine from your morning tonic’s been replaced by a slow-release sedative, thanks to that sugar-infused-fat-filled-carb-encumbered lunch you scarfed down.

When you feel like curling up in the corner for a carb coma, let this Scripture refuel you.

7. Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

Maybe it’s not the job you wanted. Maybe you’re not appreciated for the work you do. Maybe you’d rather walk barefoot on a bridge over shark-infested waters with hot coals strapped to your eyelids than have to report for duty. But…

You have a job, friend. You have a paycheck—when so many others don’t right now. So keep the faith and, no matter how hard things are right now, strive to make 1 Thessalonians 5:18 true in all aspects of your life.