There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes that says, “So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here!” (Ecclesiastes 3:21)

Here’s a key distinction: Solomon didn’t say, “There is nothing better for people than to have work that makes them happy.” The emphasis is on you being happy in your work, not on your work making you happy.

In my experience, some people get bored with great jobs, others approach the most mundane tasks with passion and enthusiasm. It’s not really about one’s job, it’s about one’s attitude in doing it.

Your job is what it is, and that won’t change. But you can take steps today to change the way you approach your work, steps that empower to find (in Solomon’s words) satisfaction in your toil.

Think of all the things you can’t control: the economy, your health, your income, the choices that your kids make, the decisions that your boss makes…You may have some influence over these things, but not complete control.

But there is one thing you can control: How you respond to every situation. You can respond with anger, doubt, and self-pity … or with faith, hope, and love. It’s your choice.

Again and again in the Psalms we encounter David in difficult situations — surrounded by enemies, struggling with sin, sinking in despair — and again and again we see his absolute resolve to think right:

Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

You can’t control what happens today, but you can control your actions. Don’t let any situation get the best of you. No matter what you face, you can choose your own way.