Devotions/YouVersion – Page 4

25. Anxiety About Work – God’s presence is a comfort to all workplace anxieties

March 17, 2025

Work gives you plenty of opportunities to be anxious. You might worry about getting it all done, about success vs failure, or about bosses and coworkers. None of these anxieties are surprises to God. They all find precedents – and hope – in the Bible.

We would like to thank the Theology of Work Project for providing this plan. For more information, please visit www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

25. God’s presence is a comfort in all workplace anxiety

You know what anxiety feels like. Maybe it’s the lump in your stomach on your morning commute. Or it’s a buzzing in your mind that keeps you awake at night when you should be resting up for a long day at work. Those are some signs of workplace anxiety. But what is anxiety, really? Dictionaries define anxiety as worry, fear, or unease coming from uncertainty or lack of control. Anxiety is not new. It’s as old as the Bible – as long lived as uncertainty and humanity itself. Thankfully, the Bible can also help.

One of the Bible’s most famous psalms starts out by describing God at work. In Psalm 23, God is compared to a shepherd—he herds the sheep towards good grazing land, wards off predators, and comforts the sheep with his presence.

Later in the text, the writer of the psalm finds himself in the “darkest valley” (Psalm 23:4). In a work context, your “darkest valley” may be a place of uncertainty or lack of control. This might be a threat to your leadership at work, anxiety about your financial future, or other workplace fears.

While uncertainty at work is a normal part of being human, fear and worry don’t need to be. In difficult situations, Psalm 23 says that God himself is the antidote to anxiety. “I fear no evil for you are with me” (Psalm. 23:4a). If God is with you, you don’t need to fear the future. God’s help in your time of trial is not hypothetical, but tangible and real. Like a shepherd with a rod and staff, God has every instrument he needs to bring you safely through. God is working amidst the worst disasters work can throw at you. God can shepherd you

Through your deepest workplace anxieties to work out his purposes for you.

Prayer: God, I have uncertainties about my work. Help me trust that you are my shepherd. Calm my anxieties with your presence. Guide me to the right work to do today—to green pastures, fresh water, and rest.

Option for Further Exploration: For more about God’s promises in the midst of our darkest valleys, see The Theology of Work Bible Commentary on Romans 8:31-39 – Nothing Can Come Between Us and the Love of God.

24. Practicing Gratitude 5

March 11, 2025

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9

If you practice gratitude every day, what do you think the result will be?

The Bible promises that seeing the good in daily life leads to peace.

“If there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9).

Medical studies confirm the link between gratitude and mental health. When test subjects wrote down three good things (Seligman et al., 2005), kept a gratitude journal (Kerr, O’Donovan, & Pepping, 2014), or wrote letters of gratitude to other people (Toepfer et al., 2012) all demonstrated improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction.

The Bible and the scientific material both attest to the effectiveness of simple gratitude practices. If you want to deepen your level of peace and your relationship with God, gratitude is a great place to start.

Practice:

· Reflect on the past week. Which practice of gratitude gave you the most peace? Was it noticing something good three times a day? Finding gratitude in something hard? Thanking another person? Replacing the urge to compare with gratitude for what you have right now?

· Whichever discipline most helped you to experience gratitude, make that your practice today.

· Make a plan for the future: How can you build a practice of gratitude into your daily life?

Prayer: God, thank you for all that you’ve given me. Please give me a grateful heart and a deeper relationship with you. Grant me peace today. Amen.

If you enjoyed this plan, find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

23. Practicing Gratitude 4

March 3, 2025

Scripture Reading: Psalms 16:5-6, Exodus 20:17

When you’re trying to fan your flame of gratitude, comparison douses it like a bucket of ice water.

Comparison means looking at what someone else has and thinking about how much better or worse it is than what you have. It’s so dangerous that the 10th commandment warns against it. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).

Comparison sabotages two relationships at the same time: your relationship with God, and your relationship with other people. You can’t fully love others when you’re jealous of them or trying to outperform them. And you can’t love God when you think maybe God has given you a bad deal.

When you feel the urge to compare your lot in life with someone else’s, replace that thought with a prayer of gratitude. A good example comes from Psalm 16. “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.” (Psalm 16:5–6).

The writer of the psalm acknowledges God as the source of his provision. He declares that what God has given him is good. This is an antidote to comparison.

Practice:

· Think about the last time you compared yourself to someone else or compared what you have to what someone else has.

· Thank God for blessing that person.

· Thank God for your lot in life – exactly the way it is right now.

· Today when you notice yourself making a comparison, make a list of the good things that God has blessed you with in this area.

· Before you go to bed tonight, do a comparison inventory. Ask yourself: Am I jealous of anyone else? Do I need to say “thank you, God” for what I have?

Prayer: God, thank you for setting boundaries around what is mine. I am grateful for the lot you’ve given me. Be my proof against envy and unhappiness. Amen.

Further Exploration: Read this reflection on loving other people without jealousy .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

22. Practicing Gratitude 3

February 24, 2025

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:3-4, Number 6:24-26

As soon as you started to talk, your parents probably taught you to say, “thank you.”

It’s no surprise that parents teach children this basic rule. Relationships grow stronger when you express gratitude. A heartfelt “thank you” makes other people feel appreciated. And it reminds you of your dependence upon other people.

Saying “thank you” isn’t something you grow out of when you leave childhood.

The writer of the letter to the Philippians modeled practicing gratitude for other people. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you” (Philippians 1:3–4).

In the Old Testament, people express gratitude to one another by blessing them. One of the most famous biblical blessings reads, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:24–25).

When you express your gratitude to someone else, it can be as if God is shining his face on both of you. A sincere “thank you” points out the good in another person and brings it to the surface.

Practice:

· Say, “thank you” to three people today. It could be someone you know well, or someone you only meet in passing.

· Use specifics. Point out exactly what the other person did and the good that you see in them. For example, you could say: “Thank you for responding so quickly to my email. I notice you put a lot of care into your work. You really love the people around you through your work.”

· Make a note of how someone reacts to a genuine “thank you.” Did the person’s face change when they heard it? How did you feel after expressing your gratitude?

· At the end of your day today, reflect on your gratitude experiment.

Prayer: God, thank you for the people in my life. Give them your blessing. Help me say “thank you” for the ways they bless me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Exploration: Read a personal story about expressing gratitude at work .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

21. Practicing Gratitude 2

February 17, 2025

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jonah 4:6

It’s easy to notice the good around you when things are going well. It can be harder to practice gratitude when things go poorly.

And yet, that’s exactly when you need to connect with God. When life is tough, you need God more than ever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that Christ’s will for you is to give thanks “in all circumstances.” How can you give thanks when things are hard? It may take venting your hurt or frustration to God before you can get to gratitude.

Jesus himself suffered. If you’re suffering, start there with Jesus. Then ask God what you can be grateful for.

You may find many good things springing to mind. Even the thought that Jesus sees you and cares for you can be encouraging.

When the prophet Jonah was having a terrible day at work, he found gratitude by looking at God’s provision through the physical environment. God made a bush for shade and “Jonah was very happy about the bush.” (Jonah 4:6).

Practice:

· Think about a current hardship you face. Tell God truthfully how you feel about it. Share every lament and complaint.

· Ask yourself: is there anything I can be grateful for in this circumstance?

· Notice anything in your natural environment that feels like a gift from God.

· Anytime you feel your shoulders sink today, ask Jesus to share in your suffering. Then ask: is there anything I can be grateful for? What has God done here that’s good?

·

Prayer: God, you know my heart. Thank you for hearing my suffering. Help me thank you in all circumstances.

Further Exploration: Read Ann Voskamp’s answer to the question: “How do I fully live when life is full of hurt?”

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

20. Practicing Gratitude

February 10, 2025

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:12, Mark 6:37-44

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that helps you notice and appreciate God’s work in your day to day. In this plan you’ll learn 4 different techniques for making gratitude a part of your daily life.

We would like to thank the Theology of Work Project for providing this plan. For more information, please visit www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Gratitude is a spiritual practice of seeing and celebrating the good in the world around you. This is easier said than done.

Modern life often forces you to focus on what is bad – what needs to be fixed immediately, what crisis must be prevented, what new thing you need now to make your life better.

Learning to notice the good takes practice. Thankfully, every time you flex your gratitude muscle you get stronger. You get positive feedback – it feels good to be grateful. And you connect with God who is the source of all goodness.

You don’t need to look for big miraculous things to be grateful for. Jesus showed that gratitude can begin with very little. On a day when it seemed like he and his friends wouldn’t have enough to eat, Jesus looked up to heaven and thanked God for the food they had (Mark 6:37-44). When Jesus did this, the little they had turned into an abundance.

Start your gratitude practice by simply noticing what is good in the world around you. This goes back to the very first chapter of the Bible, when God “sees” what is good in his creation (Genesis 1:12).

Practice:

· What is good in the world around you right now? If the seat you’re sitting on is comfortable, thank God for that.

· During your day, make it a point to notice one thing that’s good. If a coworker smiles at you, this can be a prompt to gratitude.

· Before you go to bed tonight, think back on your day. What was good today that you can thank God for? Make a list.

·

Prayer: God, thank you for the good you have put in my life today. Reveal yourself to me through your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Further Exploration: Read the article From an Attitude of Ingratitude to Gratitude .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

19. If I Had a Million Dollars

February 3, 2025

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:10, Hebrews 13:5-6

We often think of money as a fast-track to satisfaction. Yet Ecclesiastes 5:10 points out that the lover of money will never be satisfied. There is never an amount of money that is enough. Money promises security, but it never completely delivers.

If money can’t bring us real satisfaction, then what can? The solution is found in Hebrews 13:5-6, in the advice to “be content with what you have.” Contentment doesn’t come naturally. For many people contentment is a skill we need to cultivate.

One way to cultivate contentment is to be aware of contentment when you experience it. Do you enjoy a walk in the sunshine, or a chat with a friend, or your soft bed at night? When you notice a moment of contentment point it out to yourself, by repeating either silently or aloud, “I am content right now.” You can even keep a little diary where you note down every time you feel content.

Contentment is the opposite of anxiety. Wanting things makes us anxious about money, but recognizing contentment brings peace.

It is important that Hebrews 13:5-6 links contentment with the confidence to say “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Money does not create contentment, confidence in God does. If we notice whatever God has given us today, it strengthens our faith that God will also provides for our future.

Prayer: Thank You God for what I have today. I trust in you for an end to anxiety. Amen.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. Find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

18. I’m Not Saying You’re A Gold-Digger

January 27, 2025

Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:36, Exodus 32:3-4, Exodus 13:3

To move away from anxiety about money, it helps to reflect on what money is and what money is not. Money is a gift from God, a blessing that he freely gives to his people. But money is not God. When we attribute good things in our lives to money and not to God, we are robbing God of the credit he deserves.

The story in Exodus illustrates our dangerous temptation to turn God’s gift into a god itself. In Exodus 12:36, God gives the Hebrew slaves favor with the Egyptians, so that on their way out of Egypt they take Egyptian gold with them. These riches are a gift from God to his people, a reminder of his love and power. Yet when the people worry that Moses is taking too long on Mount Sinai, they urge Aaron to use the gold to make a new god. The people feel more comfortable with a fake god they can make themselves than with the real God who demonstrated his love and power over and over again. It shows just how easy it is to confuse money with God, particularly when anxiety makes us forget the ways God has provided in the past.

Just a few chapters earlier, God had given the Hebrews an antidote to forgetting him, in the commandment to celebrate the Passover. In Exodus 13:3 Moses instructs the people to celebrate God’s faithfulness by abstaining from leavened bread for seven days. This is to remind them that God brought them out of Egypt and that he is sovereign over everything.

Sometimes we need a concrete reminder that God is the source of all good things. If you’re having anxiety about money, consider trying a simple fast. If you typically buy lunch every day, or coffee at a coffee shop, take a break for a week. Eat more simply or more cheaply, and see how your anxiety level changes. Perhaps a fast will remind you that God has done good things for you in the past, and he is taking care of your needs today.

Prayer: Lord, you have done good things for me. Help me remember your faithfulness. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Further Exploration: Treasure transforms. The “Treasure Principle” says that caring more about money than about God leads to anxiety. Click here to read more.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

17. I want money, that’s what I want

January 20, 2025

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-33

Many people worry about money, and for good reason. We need money for a lot of things. Money keeps a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on our tables. Because money is necessary for so many things in our modern lives, money has come to represent abstract values, too. For many people, money is a stand-in for security. Your confidence for the future might be tied to the amount of money in your bank account. This leads to anxiety, no matter how much money you have.

This devotional aims to reduce your anxiety about money by divorcing your sense of security from a dollar sign. Each day will give you concrete steps from the Bible that can help you move away from anxiety and towards peace.

Jesus tries to lead his disciples away from worrying about money in Matthew 6 when he explains what God is like. God takes care of all the animals and the plants on earth, none of whom work for a paycheck. Jesus says we should trust God to do the same for us. Security doesn’t come from money, it comes from God.

When you believe God is looking out for you, your anxiety about money decreases. One way Christians throughout history have reminded themselves of God’s provision is by saying prayers of thanksgiving before meals. Try this: before you eat, pause and say either silently or aloud, “Thank you God for giving me this food.” As you remind yourself that God is taking care of you now, you will start to believe that he will provide for you in the future.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me everything I need today. Help me to hope for the future, free from anxiety about money.

Further Exploration: Read Christians Can Experience Deeper Rest from the Theology of Work Project Devotionals.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

16. Servant Leaders Must Balance Servanthood and Leadership

January 13, 2025

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21-27, Ephesians 4:15, Philippians 2:3-8

One challenge of servant leadership is balancing the selflessness of servanthood with the forthright management sometimes required of leaders.

Mark Roberts shares the following story about a time when he failed at servant leadership.

“Early in my career, I failed miserably at servant leadership. My first management job was overseeing a small tutoring business. I was responsible for hiring and supervising teachers. I remember observing one of my teachers not doing a good job, but I was afraid to confront her. So I said nothing and hoped she would improve on her own. When this didn’t happen, I realized that I would have to let her go. Dreading conflict, I sent her a letter, letting her know that her services were no longer needed.

When this teacher received my letter, she raced to my office. Banging on my door, she demanded to speak with me. When I opened the door, she proceeded to tell me in blunt language that I was a coward for not talking to her directly. I knew she was right. I had not done the honorable thing by sending a letter. Servant leadership required that I risk the discomfort of a face-to-face confrontation.

The memory of that encounter has stuck with me. Though I hate to have blunt, painful conversations, I’ve learned to have them. Part of what motivates me is the conviction that, as a leader, I’m called to serve those whom I supervise. This means I have the responsibility to tell them when they are not measuring up. It means I have to deal with the possibility of being disliked. I am called to speak the truth in love.”

Even as Jesus served others, he actively addressed problems with his followers when they occurred. This insight should inform our attitude in any leadership position. We shouldn’t refrain from exercising legitimate authority or lead timidly. Rather, we should use our position and power to further others’ well-being.

Reflection: As you think about putting servant leadership into practice, what are some of the challenges you face?

Prayer: Dear Lord, show me what it means to lead with confidence and humility. Help me see how to genuinely serve those I am called to lead. May my leadership imitate yours and glorify you. Amen.

For Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Called To Work

Category: Devotions/YouVersion

25. Anxiety About Work – God’s presence is a comfort to all workplace anxieties

24. Practicing Gratitude 5

23. Practicing Gratitude 4

22. Practicing Gratitude 3

21. Practicing Gratitude 2

20. Practicing Gratitude

19. If I Had a Million Dollars

18. I’m Not Saying You’re A Gold-Digger

17. I want money, that’s what I want

16. Servant Leaders Must Balance Servanthood and Leadership

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