Good morning! Today is Wednesday 9th October 2024, and this week we’re observing World Mental Health Day, which falls on the 10th. This year’s theme, “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace,” is something that should resonate with all of us. Whether you’re working in an office, leading a team, or balancing your job and home life, the demands of the workplace can take a toll on our mental health.
In fact, it’s no secret that stress, deadlines, and difficult relationships at work can create a storm inside us. Yet, as believers, we are called to live differently. We are called to walk in peace—even in the midst of pressure.
God’s Design for Rest and Balance
The Bible offers us some surprising wisdom on the topic of work and rest. From the very beginning, God modelled a rhythm of work and rest. In Genesis 2:2, we see that God Himself rested on the seventh day after creating the world. Now, if the Creator of the universe took time to rest, shouldn’t we take our own need for rest seriously?
Too often, our work culture promotes the idea that busyness equals productivity, but God has a different perspective. He calls us to work diligently but also to prioritise our well-being. Jesus Himself said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This invitation is crucial for us, especially when it feels like the work environment is demanding more than we can give.
Navigating Stress in the Workplace
Many of us spend the majority of our waking hours in the workplace. It’s the place where we encounter deadlines, challenging colleagues, and the constant pressure to perform. As World Mental Health Day highlights the importance of making mental well-being a priority in the workplace, the question becomes, how can we, as Christians, embody peace and resilience amidst the stress?
Philippians 4:6-7 gives us the key: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God promises to give us His peace—not just on Sundays, but in every part of our lives, including our workplaces.
Whether you’re dealing with a challenging project, a difficult colleague, or just the daily grind, God wants to guard your mind. He’s interested in your well-being, not just your productivity. Remember, your value isn’t tied to what you accomplish but to who you are in Christ.
Reflection Verse
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
In the workplace, it’s easy to lose sight of our true purpose. Are we working just to please our boss or meet expectations, or are we working as unto the Lord? This verse reminds us to keep our focus on God’s purpose for us, even when stress seems overwhelming.
A Moment to Reflect with Encouraging Action
Reflection Question:
What changes can you make in your daily work routine to ensure that your mental health, peace, and relationship with God remain a priority?
Action Step:
As you go through your workday, take short moments to pause and reflect. In these moments, invite God into your workspace. Whether it’s during a break or before a meeting, breathe deeply and give your worries to Him.
Consider also talking with your employer or colleagues about ways to create a more supportive and healthier work environment. You don’t have to do it alone—God is with you every step of the way, and sometimes He uses our actions to bring about change.
Bringing God’s Peace into the Workplace
This World Mental Health Day, as we focus on prioritising mental health in the workplace, let’s remember that our mental and spiritual well-being are deeply connected. John 14:27 tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
God’s peace is not fleeting or dependent on our work circumstances—it’s a deep, enduring peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a peace that enables us to remain steady in the storms of life, and it’s a peace that He offers freely to all who trust in Him. So, when the pressures of the job seem too heavy, remember that you serve a God who is interested in your mental health and peace as much as He is in your work performance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. In the midst of our busy lives and stressful work environments, help us to rely on You for strength, wisdom, and rest. Teach us to prioritise our mental health, and give us the courage to create spaces of peace and support, both in our own lives and for those around us. Help us to always remember that You are with us in every moment, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
