When Nikelle Inman started a new job coaching first-generation college students, she looked forward to meeting with them one-on-one—helping them overcome obstacles and find the tools to succeed.

Instead, she and her fellow success coaches at a North Carolina community college spent the year buried in paperwork, reviewing student applications. They never met with a single student.

“Admissions work kind of took over what we were supposed to do,” Ms. Inman said. “I felt disengaged with the position, more so because I just didn’t feel valued.”

It is disorienting when a job turns out to be nothing like what was advertised or changes into something unexpected. A recent Gallup survey found that less than half of U.S. workers strongly agree that they know what is expected of them—a sharp drop from pre-pandemic levels.

Confusion at work has become common. But it does not have to be your norm.

When roles are vague or priorities unclear, clarity comes from combining smart workplace habits with timeless truths. The Bible offers more than spiritual guidance—it affirms the value of diligent, purposeful work and outlines practical steps for success. In fact, it is the ultimate guidebook for navigating confusion on the job.

God wants everyone to be confident and effective in every part of their lives—including in the workplace. The Fourth Commandment, which tells people to keep the Sabbath, does not just say to rest one day out of seven. It begins with this: “Six days shall you labor, and do all your work” (Ex. 20:9). God does not want you to be confused or uncertain for the majority of the week!

“In all labor there is profit,” Solomon said in Proverbs 14:23. Applying God’s mind to your job will allow you to profit and succeed despite any challenges you face.

Here are practical Bible-backed strategies for eliminating confusion when your job becomes ambiguous.

Source of Clarity

Managers and employees have been grappling with disruptive changes since COVID-19 first upended public life five years ago. By 2024, Gallup reported a sharp rise in remote and hybrid work compared to 2019. About a quarter of employees worked entirely from home, and more than half split their time between home and office.

This mishmash of remote and in-person workers, and many transitioning back to the office after being away, has been a recipe for turmoil.

More recently, layoffs at tech companies, in the government and in other sectors have left organizations with fewer people to handle the load, and expectations are not always adjusted to the new realities.

“With all the rounds of layoffs, people’s scope and responsibilities are shifting constantly,” said Jeremy Guttenplan, an executive leadership trainer and coach based in New York. “You think about the ones left behind and the work is just getting piled on them.”

The result? A complicated, chaotic work environment. But there is hope.

Psalm 119 says, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (vs. 105). The Bible provides clarity in all areas of life. It illuminates which way we should go.

Paul adds to this, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (I Cor. 14:33). Modern society brings confusion. God brings peace. And peace begins with knowing what is expected of you.

Establish Expectations Early

Clear planning is not just a good strategy—it is a biblical principle. Proverbs 24:27 says, “Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.”

This highlights the importance of doing foundational preparation before jumping into larger tasks—an essential habit in any job or project.

Jesus Christ also emphasized the importance of planning: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28). Planning is not optional—it is critical to avoiding failure and unmet expectations.

Rushing into work without setting clear goals often leads to disappointment, while diligence and foresight bring abundance.

Proverbs 21 says, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want” (vs. 5). Diligent actions begin with diligent thinking.

How can you apply this? Spell out or make sure you understand what a new role or project entails—along with any relevant deadlines or performance markers—from the beginning, so everyone agrees on what is realistic and wanted. Capturing this information in a shared document can help prevent future misunderstandings.

When a successful real estate developer asked Amber Krasinski to film and produce 85 TikTok videos in three hours, she thought hard about it. The job might be good exposure for her communications agency, IvyHill Strategies, but Ms. Krasinski knew it would be impossible to complete in so little time. She turned it down.

Ms. Krasinski regularly gives her clients progress updates and tries to make a practice of asking clarifying questions before taking on new projects.

“Any time I have a conversation with a prospective client, I have that in the back of my mind,” she said. “Avoiding that people-pleasing side that says, ‘You can figure it out, you can do it.’ You do not want to let anybody down, but you also need to set yourself up for success.”

Without clear direction, employees often start projects they cannot finish—frustrating both them and their teams. Strive to set expectations early and plan ahead. This can make all the difference in charting a clear path at work.

Seek Frequent Feedback

Having consistent, open dialogue with those who have perspective and insight protects individuals—and teams—from making mistakes. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” We need outside input to stay on track.

Proverbs 20:5 compares wise counsel to deep water—drawing it out takes effort and understanding. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile to get someone’s attention or get on their calendar, but the effort is worth it.

No one wants to spend all day in meetings. But more frequent check-ins with a manager or supervisor may help staff members who are unsure if they are prioritizing their time appropriately or do not know what they are supposed to be doing.

Organizations are exploring different ways of building connections between employees and providing more opportunities for feedback.

This can result in better understanding of workplace expectations. Brian Smith, founder and managing partner of IA Business Advisors, said his company hosts gratitude sessions for 30 minutes each week.

The first 20 minutes are led by a coach who advises attendees on issues such as how to effectively manage time or deal with challenging customers. Highlighting specific problems and strategies can help workers understand what is needed from them. At the end of the session, participants have an opportunity to share what they are grateful for.

While most workplaces may not feature gratitude sessions, it is easy to see that the increased communication paid off. Look for where you can participate in workplace gatherings or start dialogue where there is none. Open communication fights ambiguity.

The biblical principle of getting counsel does not just apply to those in your workplace. If you are struggling at work, you can talk openly with a friend or family member after hours. Their fresh perspective could make all the difference.

This approach aligns with Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (English Standard Version). Constructive dialogue strengthens productivity and morale.

Wise Communication

Workers do not have to wait for a supervisor to seek feedback or clarify expectations. You can suggest a quick check-in at any point, if you are unsure how to prioritize long-term goals or short-term deadlines.

“Managing upwards is going to make your life easier,” said Dale Whelehan, founder of 4 Day World, a think tank that explores new models of work. “Do not assume that management has all the answers. They are probably just as lost.”

However, in hierarchical organizations where questioning management may be viewed negatively, it is important to be delicate, he said.

That is why it is important to think through what you say and how you say it. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” Even if you feel like you are at your wit’s end, adding some grace and kindness is essential. If this is hard for you, ask God for help.

Strive to cultivate a winning personality that makes others enjoy working with you. Proverbs 11:30 sums up this approach: “He that wins souls is wise.”

To initiate a feedback discussion, you can ask to meet with a manager about a current project.

Mr. Whelehan outlined how to approach the conversation if the meeting gets scheduled. Start by sharing what you understand your assignment to be. Then request the manager’s confirmation or clarification by saying something such as, “I just want to make sure that there is alignment here,” he advised.

Ask about anything else you need to clarify and close out the conversation by saying, “From what I understand from this conversation, my role is this…Have I understood that correctly?”

Then, follow up with an email restating what you agreed to, Mr. Whelehan said.

Too often, employees remain silent, unsure whether to speak up. But effective communication can be key to transforming unclear roles into well-defined ones.

James 1:5 encourages those who lack direction to ask for it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (New American Standard Bible) Seeking clarity is not weakness—it is wise.

Reaching Workplace Success

In today’s workplace, success is not just about skill. It is about navigating uncertainty with God’s help. When things feel chaotic, pause. Revisit your priorities. Then focus on the most important task. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

Even as you navigate challenging situations, hold on to a strong work ethic. This will set you apart from others who may be paralyzed by all the uncertainty.

“If something doesn’t feel right, don’t just accept it,” Ms. Inman said. “Whatever that avenue is, if it’s staying and trying to make it better or leaving, just don’t give up on what you know is right.”

Let “what you know is right” be shaped by God’s Word—not just instinct.

Colossians 3:23 offers timeless guidance: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” We should work as though we are serving God, regardless of where we are employed or who we work with.

Ephesians 6:5-9 builds on this. It provides instructions for both “servants” and “masters”—in today’s terms, employees and employers. Servants are told to “be obedient,” and “with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,” while masters are instructed to “do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven.”

These verses reveal a mutual accountability rooted in respect, fairness and diligence—a model for ideal professional relationships.

Even if a manager or co-worker may be difficult to work with, the takeaway is clear: What you do at work matters to God. He wants you to set a righteous example. You should take your job seriously and show a godly work ethic at all times.

Jesus said, “My Father works hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). In chapter 9, He added: “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day” (vs. 4).

Christ was the perfect example of godly work ethic. Apply His mindset, and you will not only gain clarity at work—you will earn favor with both God and man (Luke 2:52). You will have confidence and clarity in your job, regardless of the challenges that arise.

To learn more about lasting success—in the workplace and in life in general—read our Editor-in-Chief David C. Pack’s booklet The Laws to Success.

This article contains information from The Associated Press.