How can I stay encouraged when finding a good job seems impossible?

Answer  
  

What’s important to recognize in the midst of situations that seem impossible—like finding a good job—is that, when we surrender the problem to God’s control, it automatically enters the realm of the possible, because with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26\).  
  

God’s Word transcends our circumstances. No matter what we’re facing in our lives, we can still trust what God says about Himself. One thing we know about God is that He hears our prayers and knows what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:7–8\). We are commanded to not worry about the future for the same reason: God knows our needs, and He is our provider (Matthew 6:25–34\). Not worrying doesn’t mean not taking action, but simply recognizing that God is ultimately in control and that He has our best interests in mind (Romans 8:28\). Even when we don’t see anything happening, we can be assured that God is actively working on our behalf. He is not sitting idly by (see Ruth 3:18\).  
  

Knowing that God said He would provide for us is one thing, even when we can’t find a good job. It’s quite another to be able to experience the peace and encouragement embedded in that truth.  
  

Discouragement is often a matter of the heart. A good question to ask is, what am I focusing my attention and thoughts on: the problem or God? While *our* main concern may be finding a good job, God cares more about the condition of our hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7\). Philippians 4:4–7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we consciously choose to praise and thank God in the midst of our job search, we open our hearts and minds to receive His peace.  
  

It’s also important to realize that, while God has amazing plans for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11\), we also have an enemy in Satan who would love nothing more than to discourage us from trusting God to fulfill those plans for our lives. The Bible describes Satan as one who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8\). The easiest way for a lion to bring down prey is to first isolate it from its herd. It is much easier for Satan to discourage us when we are disconnected from the Body of Christ. Having godly people in our lives who know what we’re going through and can pray with and for us when things are tough is a huge encouragement (see Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:16\).  
  

