When you hear the term “unemployment benefits” you probably think of the government program.
But did you know there are “spiritual unemployment benefits” available to those who claim them?
So if you or someone you know is experiencing unemployment, here are 4 spiritual benefits of unemployment that will encourage and inspire you.
1. Learning to Depend on God
Many of us depend on our job to pay the bills.
In the United States, people work the majority of their lives to afford a comfortable lifestyle. Young people seek education to earn entry into a career that will provide for their needs.
But the Bible says in Matthew 6:25-33 not to worry what we will eat or drink but rather to seek first the kingdom of God.
Having a job is not a bad thing, but seeking God’s kingdom should take first priority in the life of every Christian.
Sometimes, we place too much of our dependence and our identity into our jobs. Sometimes our careers become an unhealthy idol taking the place of God in our lives.
Unemployment can serve as a reminder that neither your dependence, your identity, or your faith should be placed in your job, but rather in God and His provision.
2. A Time Away from Distractions
Every Christian knows that seeking the kingdom of God should take first priority, but sometimes job responsibilities and deadlines can be a big distraction.
Spending time to read our Bible may get put on hold if we become too busy with job responsibilities. The intention is never to place anything in front of seeking God’s kingdom, but sometimes it happens.
However, a season of unemployment may remove a lot of these distractions and give you time to focus on seeking the kingdom of God first.
Try to prioritize time in the Word during this time of unemployment. You will be surprised by the spiritual unemployment benefits you will get from spending time with God.
In addition, with the distractions out of the way, focus not only on your relationship with God, but your relationship with family and friends.
Too often we are away from those who truly matter in our lives when we work long hours.
Take extra time to spend with your family and friends and grow those relationships.
3. Time to Focus on Growth
Sometimes we get too comfortable in our lives and it hinders the growth God wants for us.
Feeling secure in a job can take away our motivation to grow — or at least makes it easier to fall into old habits of complacency.
If God has a plan for you to achieve something outside of your comfort zone, but feeling secure in your job is keeping you from making the choices, taking the risks, or doing the work to get there, He might take away the comfort of your job so that you will grow.
The Bible talks about how God prunes us as his plants so that we will produce fruit.
The pruning is painful, but necessary.
Is there something God wants you to work on during your time of unemployment?
Where do you think God might be trying to grow you during this season?
4. Time to Listen for God’s Plan
It is crucial as followers of Christ to listen for the voice of God speaking through all of life’s situations.
Moses took time away from his job of leading the children of Israel to hear God speaking to him.
Elijah took a sabbatical from being a fiery prophet to hear God talking to him in the mountains.
Even Jesus took time away from the world to seek God.
And if Jesus did it, then we as Christians should definitely do it!
Therefore, unemployment can be a time to listen for the voice of God and His plan for your life.
Spiritual unemployment benefits are available to all who choose to claim them.
So if you or someone you know is experiencing a season of unemployment, pray for God to reveal what He is trying to accomplish.
Has God used a season of unemployment in your life? Let us know in the comments.
And please share this with anyone who is going through the tough season of unemployment!
