Verbal and emotional abuse

 

There was a man who was an alcoholic. When he drank too much he became belligerent. He would say cruel things. Then, at some point during his adult life, he was just belligerent all the time. He was a narcissist. He suffered from depression. He was neglected as a child. His wife didn't know all of these things before they got married. She didn't know that as soon as they got married, the alcoholic, narcissistic, man-child would emerge.

  When this side of him surfaced, his wife was confused. What happened to the fun-loving jokester who she thought she was marrying? He would have outbursts and say terrible things to her. He got in her face and yelled whenever she did something that upset him.

   She moved into his house after the wedding. Her few measly possessions, sentimental ceramic figurines, she placed gingerly on the shelf above the tv. The rest of her things were in the bedroom.

   One day he said, "You should put these figurines away."

   She asked, "Why?"

   He said, "They could get broken."

   She laughed it off as a silly idea. Surely he was joking. He wasn't.

   The next day she came home from work to find her favorite figurine broken into several pieces. She looked at her husband in disbelief, "What happened?"

   He just shrugged. Without even looking at her he said, "I told you you should put them away. They could get broken."

   With tears in her eyes, she boxed up the rest of the figures. They've remained in that box for thirty-six years.

   That was just the start of the verbal and emotional abuse. Family and friends told her she should leave him, but she couldn't imagine doing that. She believed she couldn't live without him. Whether that was something that he managed to plant in her mind, we'll never know, but she stuck it out for twenty-five years until he died. It was a co-dependent relationship. She suffers to this day from PTSD, depression, and anxiety; so do her children. Even though he's been dead for ten years, certain things still trigger those old responses. 

   None of this is even the tragedy. The truly sad part was that she walked away from God three years before meeting this man. She suffered alone with her children without the loving hands of her Heavenly Father. Thankfully, He called her back to Him and embraced her with open arms. He got her through the last few years of being a wife and caregiver to her dying husband.

   To anyone who feels like God has abandoned them during their darkest hour, I just want you to know that He is right there with you. You may not realize it during that time, but believe me, you don't want to know the feeling of being apart from Him through the valleys of life. Know He is there and that He loves you. He is holding your hand.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are suffering, and those who feel helpless to do anything about it. Please pray that they keep their focus on God, that they don't waver in their faith. Pray that they find encouragement in the word and through prayer. Pray that they lean on their brothers and sisters in Christ who love them.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #helpless #abuse #verbalabuse #emotionalabuse #worry #depression #PTSD #anxiety #trust #prayer #faith

Don't be anxious

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Proverbs 12:25

 

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Philippians 4:6-8

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

God's plan

 

Most of my staycations are planned with a specific goal in mind, whether it be a writing goal, or a de-cluttering goal, or some other project. This time I just wrote out a massive 'to-do list' and decided I was going to try to get as much done as I could, but if I didn't get everything done, that's okay.

     I prefer to have a plan and stress about it and then get upset when things don't happen the way I assumed they would, but I have to say, this new way for me is a whole lot better. And isn't it funny how it goes along with the theme this week? Imagine that! 

     It is really a challenge for me to give everything up to God and depend solely on Him for guidance, but it is so incredibly freeing! You should try it. I highly recommend it, along with constant prayer. Our Father loves us and wants to help us. He has a plan. We each have a purpose. Why not allow Him to do all the heavy lifting? Why would we choose anxiety and stress over loving guidance?

For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

You may also like:

- "Ask, Seek, Find"

- "Patience In God's Plan"

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

1 Peter 5:7

 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Share this verse with someone who struggles with anxiety.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Isaiah 41:10

 

Fear not, for I am with you; 

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you, 

I will help you, 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Let go, let God

 

Yesterday in our Women's Bible Study group we talked about Scripture as a "weapon" and that concept just really spoke to me. I thought about all of the times I've been able to reflect on Scripture whenever I've gone through a rough time. I may not have the actual words memorized and I especially can't quote chapter and verse, but enough of the Bible is sinking in now that I can think, "what does the Bible say about this situation?" and come up with an answer. From there I'm able to google it and come up with the exact passage.
     It's been helping me work through different things going on in my life like work stress, stress-stress, and other miscellaneous stress. It seems like so many people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, so if nothing else, I'm in good company.
     I was thinking since I'm officially on vacation this week, well, sort of on vacation...it's another staycation but I'm "on-call" for my job in case there's an emergency and someone absolutely has to have their project done right now...(do I sound bitter?) Anyway, I thought I would post the Bible verses and passages that I often turn to in the hopes that it might help others going through what I'm experiencing.
     As you've read here many times, this is my life verse:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

In other words, give it all up to God. Trust Him and know that He will take care of you. Let Him guide you, your words, and your actions.

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Please join me this week in praying for anyone who is going through a difficult time right now. It could be stress-related, anxiety, depression, overworked. If you don't know anyone going through a valley then pray for a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor who is struggling in some other way. Let's just lift each other up this week in prayer and through Scripture. Take all of our concerns for ourselves and for each other to the Lord. Whenever you're in a situation that you don't know how to handle (or even if you think you do know how to handle it ), then just stop what you're doing and pray. Praise Him for always hearing our prayers and answering them. Praise Him for His goodness, love, and grace.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #scripture #overwhelmed #anxious #anxiety #depression #healing #encouragement

Confessions of an office manager, Part 2

(or)  Be Careful What You Wish For

Continued from yesterday (click here for Part 1)

     So, I had hired three people. I was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with training, project scheduling, quality control. It was clear that I was struggling.

     The boss's son stepped up. It seemed innocent enough, almost like he wanted to help by giving the new people work to do, taking them out to field measure, etc. Then, we got approved to move forward with the biggest, best project we've ever gotten and I'm the one who brought the project to the table. My boss was going to create the preliminary design on Saturday, and I was going to start on the project on Monday. (I had stopped working Saturdays during the Great Recession for obvious reasons.) When I got to work Monday morning, somehow the boss's son had the project. He had gone into the office on Saturday, and I imagine he said he wanted it and so he got it.

     That's when I realized that I was no longer in charge. Everything had changed. I fought tooth and nail every step of the way to the point where I felt like our three newbies were children of a messy divorce. We fought over them, over what they could do, who's project they would work on. I was miserable, stressed out, depressed. I was paying a therapist to help me deal with all of this until it dawned on me that I was fighting a losing battle. It was time to let go.

     I went on a job interview thinking it would be for an Autocad drafter. I was willing to take a cut in pay to have the privilege (and peace) of being able to just draw. I was done with being in charge. When the potential employer started talking about what all of my responsibilities would be, it made me feel on edge, reiterating that, at this point in my life, I just want to draw.

     As I drove back to work, I realized that I had that opportunity at my present job, if I would just quit fighting you-know-who. And, it wouldn't require a cut in pay. The other company wasn't ready for me to start there and after a lot of praying and reflection, I began to let it all go. It wasn't long before I realized that I was happier, less stressed.

     In January 2020, I went to a Missions College conference and my whole life was changed. Someday, I'll get the book published that is the result of that conference, of what God let me know is my mission. It's my belief that He will bless my writing, allow me to get published in a capacity that will allow me to write full-time for Him. 

     This week, He reminded me of all of that. I have a greater purpose in this life than to draw pizza joints. I believe my purpose is to help draw people closer to God, through writing and prayer, and maybe even, eventually, speaking engagements. With that reminder, I was able to completely let go of my need to be in charge at my day job. If the book(s) take off and if God makes it so that I can write full-time to bring Him honor and glory, then I believe that's the better definition of "success" than my 1990s definition.

     I've prayed for so long for a way to break free from that overwhelming life and at every obvious opportunity it never happened. I think since it's been so many years, I just forgot I prayed for it. God didn't forget, though. His perfect timing is always so amazing to me.

     So many tiny events had to take place to get me to this point. Everything had to happen in a certain order, at a certain time. I feel blessed that I can see it all unwinding and am praying that what I believe the intended outcome will actually happen.

     God has opened so many doors this week that I've just been blown away time and time again at His involvement in my life. I am grateful. I am blessed. So, I guess it's no so much "be careful what you wish for" as, "remember what you prayed for."

     Whatever your work problem is, ask God for guidance and wisdom. He will provide.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

Be in prayer for:

G

K

S

W

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Confessions of an office manager

 

I wanted to share a personal experience that goes with yesterday's Bible Verse...I've just had this AHA moment thing going on all week. God is just so amazing! I pick the topics based on talking to others, or something that catches my attention in a Bible study, or sermon, or even based on what's going on in my own life, but once in a while, I'm reminded that it's God who is picking the topics for me.

     Over the past several years, my boss's son has been taking over my job. He has assumed responsibility for everything and we've been butting heads at each turn. At some point, maybe a year ago, I just gave up the fight. Ever since then, I've felt more at peace and have had a better attitude at work. 

     A couple of days ago, I gave up the last managerial duty that I had been clinging to. It was so hard to do and I prayed about it diligently. Afterwards, I felt more at peace and it was then that God reminded me...this is what I asked for years ago. He then showed me a plan unfolding, one I've been praying for without realizing it, one that I had been working toward but not really believing in.

     Back in the 90s, my goal in life was to be "successful". In my mind, that meant being in charge of a company, having an office, making good money. I achieved that but with it came a burden that I never anticipated. The stress and anxiety of being "in charge" was overwhelming. On the plus side, the company was more organized, made money, grew and prospered. On the negative side, I had to deal with difficult, irate clients, situations that my boss didn't want to deal with, collections, etc. I even had to learn all the ins and outs of computer repair, software glitches, and wireless networking. 

     I worked long hours, six days a week. As a manager of a small company, I wore all the hats. I couldn't imagine a scenario that would get me out of that situation because I had made myself irreplaceable.

     When the Great Recession hit (2007-2009), I thought this is how it will end. But my boss worked like I've never seen him work before, or since, to drum up business for us to keep us afloat. That's when I started praying about a way out. 

     Then, the boss's son graduated from college (for architecture) and I figured he would start honing in on my job so I went back to college and got my Bachelor's degree. He didn't seem interested in taking over, which made me feel a bit conflicted. On one hand, I wanted out, on the other, I knew he couldn't/wouldn't put his blood, sweat, and tears into the company like I had. 

     Another woman at our company also graduated from a college in architecture, around that time, so it was kind of the hierarchy of: my boss, me, and then the boss's son and she were on the same level, even though she was and is very talented and knowledgable and does an exceptionable job. Then, she went to work for another company and I had to hire three people to replace her. That opened Pandora's box. We were so busy, and I was trying to get work out and train three people and still do everything that I had to do outside of those responsibilities. So, that was his chance to "step up."

To be continued. 

A just balance and scales are the Lord; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Proverbs 16:11

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #manager #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Verbal abuse at work

 

Not all supervisors are in their position because of their people skills. Numerous people have talked to me about situations at work where they don't feel like they can ask questions because their supervisor makes them feel stupid, or shames them for not already knowing the answer. They feel belittled and humiliated. 

     The result from this is that they don't ask questions, therefore they have trouble doing their job, which creates more stress. In my book, this is abuse. 

     I've had to deal with this myself in the past and just dealt with it like I dealt with the verbal and emotional abuse from my first husband. I would preface questions with, "I'm sorry, but..." or I would put myself down before the other person could do it, "I don't know why I still can't do this but..." That kind of negative self-talk did almost as much damage as the abusive language from others which I was trying to avoid. 

     Then, someone told me they would pray that the heart of the abuser, aka the supervisor, would be softened. I never thought to do that before. It made a huge difference. I started including that in my daily prayers and it just helped. At first, I felt like I needed strength to pray this, that I needed help in humbling myself to pray for people who I felt were causing me harm, but I'm so glad that I did. 

     I'm praying this prayer for you and your specific situations and encourage you to pray for your supervisors, managers, bosses, coworkers. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, 

under the mighty hand of God 

so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Let God handle the battles. We need to fight the battle on our knees. (See video below). Give it all up to Him.

Be in prayer for:
G
K
S
W

B
L
J
K
T
S
C
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "The Power of Words" from February 25, 2019

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #verbalabuse #anxiety #depression #prayer #boss #supervisor #negativeselftalk #blog #blogpost #blogger

Don't be deceived

 

Do you ever find yourself mimicking the jargon or gestures of those you spend the most time with? I'm really susceptible to that. A woman I work with tells stories and partway through, she'll say, "blah, blah, blah" and then wrap it up. I found myself doing the same thing. When I realized it, I had to make a conscious effort to stop, not because there's anything wrong with it, but because it's so obvious.

     You can see this with phrases that crop up...the whole "literally" craze drove me insane. It was especially irritating because my boss overused the word and used it incorrectly. He would say "literally" when he really meant "figuratively". He would say "almost literally" - that's just impossible and wrong on so many levels. Anyway, it "literally" drove me crazy, and I told him so on several occasions.

     Then there are the "reach out" and "in this season" trends (among others) which aren't nearly as irritating (to me) because they actually make sense. My point is, we pick up on language and gestures without realizing it and so how easy is it to pick up on bad habits, to slip back into pre-salvation ways of living when we're constantly around people who do those things? It's the perfect situation for Satan to fill us with conflict, discouragement, doubt; to draw us into him and away from Christ. Not that we can lose our salvation, or that he can take us out of the hand of Christ, but he can dim our light so that we don't shine as brightly as Christians (in my opinion).

     It all seems to come back to the Full Armor of God. I didn't know that's where today's post was going to conclude, but here we are again. When we know we're going into that battle every day, we need to make a conscious effort to don that armour.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Just Say No" from this past January

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #influence #prayer #peace

Unequally yoked with coworkers

 

In what ways are you being unequally yoked with unbelievers at work? Are they leading you into temptation such as cursing, gossiping, or something else? 

     Are you being persecuted for your faith? Verbal abuse, taunting, teasing are all forms of persecution. They can weigh on you, weaken you, bring you down. Satan is working through them to discourage you. Put on your Full Armor of God and fight.

     Pray for the salvation of those coworkers who are either trying to draw you into their sin or who are persecuting you. Pray that their hearts are softened and for God to open their eyes to their sin and to the Gospel. Pray for the worst offender by name. If their hearts and minds are changed, the rest will follow.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. 

For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? 

Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

Be in prayer for:

B

L

J

K

T

S

C

They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Be Strong" from October 18, 2019, where I talk about a work experience I was going through.

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #persecution #prayer #peace

Workplace environment

 

So many people have been sharing stories of their work environments lately. Some are struggling with the fact they are unequally yoked with their co-workers and supervisors. Others are being treated badly by their managers, having to endure what amounts to verbal and emotional abuse. Still others have to deal with people who are just plain cruel.
     My heart goes out to all of them. As Americans we spend approximately 30% of our lives working; so to be miserable for that amount of time is absolutely heartbreaking.
     The only advice I can give, and what has worked for me, is to diligently pray. Not only for the situation but also for the people involved. We'll dig a little deeper throughout the week.

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Please be in prayer for:
B
L
J
K
T
S
They are all experiencing high levels of stress at work because of various situations mentioned above. If there's anyone you would like to add to the list, please let me know.

You may also like: "Ask and receive"

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Please join me this week in praying for those who are dealing with stressful situations at their workplace. Please pray that they may find resolutions to their specific situations, that they find peace through prayer, and that their workplace no longer be a source of overwhelming stress and/or depression. Please pray that they find strength in the Lord.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #work #job #stress #coworkers #anxiety #depression #prayer #peace

Willingness to work

 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Soul of the diligent

 

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; 

but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

Proverbs 13:4

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Ask and receive

 

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, 

because we keep His commandments and 

do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

1 John 3:22

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Work heartily

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing

 

Share your blessings

 

I was going to share a different verse today but accidentally came to this one and thought it was very appropriate for our prayers this week. 

     Those of us who are blessed need to share our blessings with the less fortunate as we are led by God to do so.

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,

    for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression #blessing #charity

Motivation during job search

 

By the time I went back to work in May, my unemployment finally went through and I was able to replace the savings and pay off the credit card I used during the shut-down.
     I didn't spend any money during that time except as needed for groceries, and even while shopping for food, I was more frugal than before.
     Fortunately, my husband was still working so we were blessed to have an income, but that didn't diminish the anxiety of me being out of work. When you depend on two incomes, it's a struggle when you lose even one of them.
     From talking to different people, I know we get these perceptions of those who have been out of work for a long period of time. (I'm only talking about able-bodied people who normally would have a job - not those on disability, or with other extenuating circumstances). Maybe their industry isn't up to full capacity and so jobs are scarce right now. Maybe they're just worn out from rejection. We don't know their individual circumstances, and we don't need to know. 
     It would be Christlike of us to pray for them and to ask how we can help. Pray that they feel the desire and motivation to keep searching for a job and that the opportunity that God provides for them will be accepted.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

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Please join me this week in praying for the unemployed, those seeking work, or those who have given up looking. Pray that they turn to the Lord for guidance and encouragement and strength. Let's also pray that God opens doors for them and that they recognize those opportunities.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe <--- recently changed
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #unemployed #jobseekers #encouragment #poor #poverty #work #depression