Because Some Days the Grind Feels Like It’s Grinding You
Let’s be honest for a second.
Work isn’t always fulfilling. Sometimes it feels more like survival. Deadlines. Disrespect. That one co-worker who always acts like you don’t exist until they need something. Or maybe you love your job—but you’re burnt out. You keep pouring and pouring and no one’s refilling your cup.
And don’t even get me started on the days you feel like what you do doesn’t matter. Like you’re just a tiny cog in a big, clunky system that doesn’t care who’s tired.
But God does.
And the Bible? It speaks straight into the cubicles and classrooms, job sites and home offices. Right into your Monday morning dread and that 3 p.m. crash when you wonder if you’re making any difference at all.
10 Encouraging Bible Verses for Work
Here are 10 Bible verses that have breathed life into my weary workdays. I hope they do the same for you.
1. Colossians 3:23–24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”
Commentary:
This one shifts everything.
You’re not just answering emails or folding laundry or fixing reports. You’re doing it for Someone. The One who sees every effort, every overlooked task, every long hour that no one thanked you for.
God notices. That alone can keep you going.
2. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Commentary:
I’ve started so many projects full of energy… and watched them fall flat. But this verse reminds me—if I start with Him, the pressure’s not all on me. When I give my work to God, He doesn’t just bless the outcome—He steadies the process.
3. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Commentary:
Oh, this one. When you feel like all your efforts are invisible, unrewarded, and just plain exhausting—don’t give up. What you’re sowing now might not bloom for a while. But God says the harvest is coming.
Keep going. It matters. You matter.
4. Ecclesiastes 3:13
“…that each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
Commentary:
Work isn’t just punishment. It’s also a potential place of joy. And not everything has to be world-changing to be worthwhile. Sometimes your greatest blessing is being able to do your job with peace and contentment—even if it’s not glamorous.
5. Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Commentary:
Ever feel like your work’s just… disappearing? Like no matter how hard you try, nothing sticks?
This prayer is for those moments.
“God, make this count. Even if I can’t see it. Even if no one says thanks. Let my work leave fingerprints of Your goodness.”
6. Exodus 31:3–5
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…”
Commentary:
God gave skill and creativity to do work. Not just preaching or singing. Real, practical, hands-on stuff—carving, planning, building, problem-solving.
So yes—God can anoint your spreadsheets. Your content strategy. Your welding. Your parenting. His Spirit isn’t limited to “church work.” All of it matters to Him.
7. 1 Corinthians 15:58
“…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Commentary:
Some work feels fruitless. But this verse? It says none of it’s wasted.
Not the late nights. Not the kind word to your student. Not the effort you gave when no one clapped.
If you’re doing it in love, in obedience, in faith—it’s not in vain. It counts.
8. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Commentary:
Your attitude at work is a sermon. Your consistency is a witness. Your honesty, your encouragement, your refusal to gossip—it all points to Jesus.
And you never know who’s watching. Shine. Quietly, faithfully, without needing a stage.
9. Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…”
Commentary:
Excellence is a form of worship. When you develop your gifts—sharpen your craft, show up on time, give your best—you’re not just getting better for your boss. You’re honoring the God who gave you the ability in the first place.
And one day? That diligence might just open unexpected doors.
10. Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people…”
Commentary:
Let this settle deep: God will not forget.
He sees every behind-the-scenes moment. Every unpaid overtime. Every act of kindness when no one was looking. He won’t forget—not one second of it.
And when God remembers… He rewards.
A Quiet Word Before You Clock Back In
Work is holy ground.
Not because it’s easy.
But because God meets you there.
In your meetings.
In your parenting.
In your running shoes.
In your clumsy efforts to keep going when you’re just… done.
So if you’re feeling small in your role today—remember this:
God never calls your work “small.”
If you’re doing it in love, with integrity, and for His glory?
You’re walking in purpose—even on a Tuesday.
