Sunday Night Dread
The alarm goes off Monday morning, and that familiar knot forms in your stomach. Another week of dealing with your difficult boss. Another week of meetings that could have been emails and deadlines that make no sense. Another week of wondering if there's got to be something better out there.
You've been praying for something better - a new opportunity, a boss who actually appreciates you, maybe just a workplace where you don't have to fake a smile all day.
But Monday mornings still fill you with dread, and you're starting to wonder if He even cares about your career.
The Worst Boss Ever
David had the ultimate nightmare boss situation. King Saul didn't just micromanage or take credit for David's work - he literally tried to kill him. With actual spears. During meetings. Talk about a hostile work environment.
David had done everything right. He was the star employee, exceeded every goal, and stayed loyal even when Saul's behavior got increasingly unhinged. But instead of getting promoted, David ended up hiding in caves, essentially unemployed and on the run.
The crazy part? When David finally had the perfect opportunity to get rid of Saul - to expose him, take his job, and end the whole mess - he didn't take it. "I won't touch him," David said, even though his friends were basically saying, "Dude, this is your moment!" (1 Samuel 24:6)
The Long Game
David's choice to take the high road cost him years. Years of cave living, watching less qualified people get the positions he deserved, and dealing with a boss who made his life miserable. God didn't swoop in with a quick fix or fast-track David to the corner office.
But those cave years taught David something important: his worth wasn't tied to Saul's opinion. His future wasn't controlled by his current job situation. And sometimes God's plan takes longer than your five-year career plan.
Maybe your work situation isn't changing because God's working on something in you first. Maybe the promotion isn't coming because the timing isn't right. Maybe the difficult boss is staying because you're learning to find your confidence in something bigger than your job title.
When Monday Still Comes
Your boss might stay difficult. The promotion might go to someone else again. The company culture might not improve, and you might decide it's time to update that resume and move on.
But your value isn't determined by your performance review. Your future isn't limited by your current job description. And God's goodness doesn't depend on whether your career goes according to plan.
He's there during the stressful meetings. He's there when you're scrolling job boards at lunch. He's there when you're choosing to do the right thing even when no one notices.
A Prayer for Work Days
God, work is tough right now. My boss is challenging, the stress feels overwhelming, and some days it's hard to stay motivated. You know how much I've been hoping for something better to come along.
Help me remember that my worth isn't tied to my job performance. My identity goes deeper than my career. My future is bigger than my current circumstances.
Give me wisdom about when to stay and when to look elsewhere. Give me strength to keep doing good work even when it's hard. Give me peace that goes beyond my work situation.
Help me trust that You see what's happening and that Your timing is better than mine, even when it doesn't feel that way.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3
