Certainly, we must place everything in the hands of the Lord, and it is good that before leaving for work we ask God to help us have a day of communion with Him, regardless of the environment in which we work. We should ask Him to help us arrive safely at our workplace, because along the way difficulties may arise that are beyond our control. Beginning the day with prayer is an act of humility and faith, recognizing that our strength and security do not come from ourselves, but from God.
The paths we travel are not always safe, nor do the people with whom we share our workday necessarily share the same faith or values that we do. Many times, we find ourselves surrounded by pressure, tension, or even hostility. However, what is truly certain is that the presence of the Lord can guard us and strengthen us even in the midst of uncertainty. A sincere prayer before leaving home opens the door to a day directed by the Holy Spirit.
The believer who places himself in God’s hands begins each morning with the confidence that the Most High goes before him, preparing the way, guarding his steps, and granting him inner peace in the face of the challenges that will come. This confidence does not eliminate problems, but it changes the way we face them. Knowing that God walks with us transforms fear into trust and anxiety into hope. Jeremiah said the following:
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7–8
This passage reminds us that genuine trust in God does not depend on circumstances. In the workplace there may be pressure, stress, injustices, and even temptations that put our faith to the test. Yet, if we trust in the Lord, we will be like firmly rooted trees that continue to bear fruit even in times of emotional or spiritual drought. The faithful believer is not shaped by the environment, but rather becomes an instrument through which God brings light, peace, and testimony into that environment.
When our roots are deep in God, external conditions lose their power to destroy us. Heat may come, symbolizing trials or conflicts, but our spiritual leaves remain green. This means that our attitude, our faith, and our integrity remain intact because our source of life is not external success, but God Himself.
Let us remember that our place of work is not a church. There we will encounter people who may try to tempt our faith or provoke us into sin. That is why we must ask God daily to help us endure these situations, so that we may show Christ to others and not end up being dominated by anger, resentment, or bitterness.
The work environment can easily become a spiritual battlefield. It is there that our patience, humility, and character are tested. Some may try to provoke us, others may set traps or push us into unnecessary arguments. But the mature Christian understands that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Therefore, we need to begin each workday clothed with the armor of God, with a peaceful mind and a heart willing to respond to evil with good.
Our testimony at work is one of the most powerful sermons we can preach. Without saying a single word, our behavior can reflect Christ. When others see self-control instead of rage, honesty instead of deceit, and peace instead of anxiety, God is glorified through our lives.
The one who is truly strong is not the person who believes he can protect himself. Those who are strong are the ones who have the Lord as their confidence, their constant help, and the One who protects them from the evil one. True strength is found in dependence on God, not in self-sufficiency. The writer of Proverbs said:
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5–6
These words call us to live with total dependence on God. Many times we believe that our experience, education, or skills are enough to face whatever awaits us at the office, business, or factory. However, Scripture warns us that true wisdom is found in fully trusting God. Those who rely solely on their own understanding will eventually stumble, but those who acknowledge the Lord in all their ways will see how He straightens even the smallest details of life.
A difficult boss, a complicated task, or a demanding client can all be faced with peace when we understand that God is guiding our steps. He gives us discernment to respond wisely, patience to endure, and grace to act with integrity.
The Lord is our hope, and without Him we are completely unprotected. Therefore, I urge you that before leaving your home each day to go to work, you lift your voice to the Lord and say:
1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; Give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.
4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, To practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: And let me not eat of their dainties.
5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, Which shall not break my head: For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, They shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
7 Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, As when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: In thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, And the gins of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, Whilst that I withal escape.
Psalm 141:1–10
This psalm becomes a perfect cry for each workday. It reminds us that it is not enough to pray for physical protection; we must also ask God to guard our hearts, our lips, and our thoughts. The temptation to respond harshly, to speak hurtful words, or to participate in ungodly conversations is present in every workplace.
But when we make this prayer our own, the Lord Himself places a guard over us. He helps us walk in integrity, wisdom, and peace. While others fall into the traps of the enemy, we are able to move forward with confidence, knowing that God sustains us, protects us, and leads us faithfully through every challenge.