Are you in a workplace that robs your joy?

I was talking with a friend this morning who said that on Sunday afternoon he had a pit in his stomach thinking about work the next day.

He had started the day in worship with his family of believers. But, whatever joy he had experienced at church was wiped out with the thought of tomorrow.

Your work situation may not be that bad, but you may still sense a loss of joy almost daily.

You wrestle with that reality against a statement like this, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” (Romans 15:13 NIV) And “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV)

Reading those verses doesn’t lift you up at all. Instead, you feel worse because you’re failing to do what they say. You may even question your spiritual maturity.

A toxic work environment can bring down the strongest of believers.

It doesn’t have to be that way with you. Consider this: You’re not in your job by accident. God has chosen you to be there in his divine plan. That simple realization takes you out of your world into his.

Now imagine the possibilities! You’re Christ’s ambassador in your workplace.

I challenged my friend with one question. And I challenge you with the same one.

“What is one thing you can do to change the culture of your workplace?”

Whether you are in leadership or you’re down the ladder, you can make a difference.

I’m not asking you to turn the company around. I’m asking you to consider the one thing you can do to change the culture in your sphere of influence.

Jesus changed the world one person at a time, one group of people at a time. He did some of his greatest work apart from large crowds. And his influence caught fire.

Your influence can catch fire, too. Not in your own power, but as the Holy Spirit uses you and He works in the hearts of people around you.

Start every day with the One Thing Challenge and watch joy re-enter your life.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).