How Can You Overcome Your Fear of Job Searching?

So do not fear, for I am with you; 
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
 I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
– Isaiah 41:10

They say the best time to get a job is while you still have a job, and I’ve been out of work for a couple of months now.  Am I doomed before I even start?”

That idea about getting a job while you have a job has been going around for years, but the practical reality is that the large majority of people don’t start looking until they know they are going to be laid off or have already been laid off.  And the vast number of unemployed folks find new positions in a reasonable time from when they apply themselves and understand the process.

The question then becomes, what motivates a person to ask this question in the first place. Seems the underlying issue is one of fear:

• Fear of the unknown.
• Fear of failure.
• Fear of not doing the right thing.
• Fear that you don’t have the skills you need.
• Fear that you won’t find a suitable job.
• A whole host of fears.

So let’s address the fear issue. Fear seems to fall into two categories and they are interdependent. First is our fear of the unknown, and second is the fear of not being able to successfully deal with what the situation throws at us.

First, our fear of the unknown.

Whenever you attempt something new, or something you’ve done before in a real way or with different people, there is the possibility of unexpected results.  Paul encourages us in Colossians 1:23 to do everything unto the Lord and not men. When we have this attitude, we can be sure that God will use it for our good (Romans 8:28), and even if we fail, He will use even our failure for good (II Corinthians).

Second, we may fail.

Every successful leader has failed many more times than they have succeeded. One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, failed over and over at everything he attempted. Time and time again he tried some venture and failed. Yet, when the time was right, God placed him in leadership for our country. You will fail also. You may not receive job offers, fail at some projects, lose out on promotions, but God will use your failures to help you mature and enable you to help others.

The key to understanding and dealing with failure is to realize that God is indeed with you, in you, and working on your behalf. Succeed or fail, He will use it all to His glory, and for His end, and to your benefit!

So just keep moving. The reality is that you can’t fail when you look at it from God’s perspective!

Dearest Lover of my soul, I fail often and that makes me fearful.  Help me see past the fear to your perfect love.