In the dark of the morning, with your eyes wide open, you anxiously contemplate the responsibilities that lie ahead. The day after a less-than-stellar performance review, you have three meetings on your agenda—all before noon—and countless projects to complete. You try everything in your power to find rest, but can’t muster the strength to close your eyes. As you stare aimlessly into the distance, you wonder if you’ll ever overcome the pressure of a typical workday.

Can you relate to these feelings? Whether you care for needy patients, type detailed reports, develop innovative strategies or serve hungry diners, the workplace cultivates stress. This unavoidable truth drives countless employees to flee their jobs in search of peace. But what happens when you have no escape? What happens when your job keeps food on the table, a roof over your head and clothes on your daughter’s back?

As you work through your daily to-do list, and prepare for another late evening, you drop your head into your hands. Your boss demands excellence, your family requires an income and your livelihood depends on a steady job. But as projects mount and expectations rise, you feel defenseless against the pressure. You want to succeed in your career—and serve your family—but you wonder if you’ll ever break free from the bondage of a demanding job.

In the midst of these moments, when you feel hopeless, defeated, overwhelmed and stretched thin, open your Bible. Meditate on God’s Word as you seek peace and perseverance, searching for the means to survive the daily grind.

These six verses will get you started.

1. The Lord gives rest.
   Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 (GNTD)
2. The Lord gives strength.
   But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.– Isaiah 40:31 (GNTD)
3. The Lord gives peace.
   You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. – Isaiah 26:3 (GNTD)
4. The Lord gives hope.
   May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (GNTD)
5. The Lord gives wisdom.
   But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. – James 1:5 (GNTD)
6. The Lord gives guidance.
   The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. – Psalm 32:8 (GNTD)