Job Hunting

Dear Victorious,

I have been unemployed for several months. It is extremely frustrating to knock yourself out looking for a job. Sometimes I just feel exhausted and angry with God because of my situation. Don't get me wrong, I'm collecting unemployment and living off of savings, so we're not about to be homeless or anything. Still, I need to find a job. Is there a spiritual perspective on unemployment that Christians should consider? If so, how do I go about a "Christian job search?"

Timon D. - Palo Alto, CA

Dear Timon,

Yes, there is always a spiritual dimension to everything in life -- and Christians should have a proper regard for that. Here's something to consider. Maybe it's not Biblical to be in job hunt mode all the time. The fact that you're so focused on finding a job - and getting frustrated and angry with God suggests that you may have the wrong perspectives on this.

What are the right perspectives to have when a Christ-follower is unemployed? For starters, God is your provision. Your career is not. Your employer is not. He fed the Israelites daily as they wandered in the desert with no jobs. He is capable of feeding you. So you must put your trust in God. You must not put your trust in employers, the government, your unemployment benefits, etc.

It is God's responsibility to provide you with your next job. It is your responsibility to wait upon the Lord, and respond to Him appropriately. But even before that, it is your responsibility to seek Him first in all that you do (Matthew 6:33). And when you are actually seeking Him first, you will find that all your needs are met in life.