Q & A: How Do I Survive in a Hostile Work Environment?

Everyone faces difficult people at some time—the auto mechanic who overcharges you, the doctor who lacks a good bedside manner, even the waiter who can’t seem to get your order right and frankly, doesn’t care. But what happens when those difficult people inhabit your workplace? When your workplace becomes hostile, you need to stand in faith by standing on the Word.

Here are several scriptures to help you stand in faith when your workplace becomes hostile. Read them, write them down, meditate on them, confess them and pray them. Let God’s Word strengthen you and remember, “For [you] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

• “Blessed be the Lord my strength…my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust.” (Psalm 144:1-2)
• “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.” (Psalm 5:11-12)
• “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” (Psalm 119:114)
• “The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (Psalm 121:5, 7-8)
• “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.” (Psalm 27:3, 5-6)

When difficult people rise up against you, you have a safe place in which to run—the Word of God