Today, Thursday 10th October 2024, is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.” What a crucial reminder! We live in a world where work demands can sometimes consume us, making it all too easy to neglect our well-being, especially our mental health.
Think about it for a moment. How often do we wear our busyness like a badge of honour? We pride ourselves on being stretched thin, running from meeting to meeting, juggling endless to-do lists, and collapsing into bed only to do it all again tomorrow. It’s as if we’re in a constant race, but here’s the thing: God didn’t create us to live that way. He created us for balance—work and rest, busyness and peace.
The Importance of Rest
In the busyness of work life, it’s easy to forget the importance of rest. But the Bible gives us a clear example of this. Genesis 2:2 tells us that after creating the heavens and the earth, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” If God Himself rested, then surely, we can give ourselves permission to do the same.
Rest isn’t just a physical break; it’s a mental and spiritual restoration. Jesus understood this need for balance too. In Mark 6:31, He tells His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus knew that the work His disciples were doing was important, but He also knew they couldn’t keep going without pausing to rest and recharge.
In the same way, World Mental Health Day encourages us to step back and take stock of our well-being, especially in the workplace. The stress, deadlines, and sometimes overwhelming demands we face can weigh heavily on us. But as followers of Christ, we can embrace the truth that our worth isn’t based on how productive we are—it’s found in our identity in Christ.
Balancing Work and Well-Being
As Christians, how do we create healthy, God-honouring work environments? The Bible gives us wisdom in Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This reminds us that while we are called to give our best at work, our primary focus should always be to please God, not to run ourselves into the ground for others’ approval.
If you’re feeling stretched or overwhelmed, perhaps it’s time to consider what changes you can make in your workday. This could be as simple as scheduling regular breaks, setting healthy boundaries, or asking for support from colleagues or leadership. God cares about your mental health, and He invites you to cast your burdens on Him. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Reflection Verse
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
This is a promise we can cling to. Jesus is offering us His rest, not just on weekends, but every day, including in the workplace. When the pressure mounts, when the emails pile up, when you feel like you’re running on empty—Jesus says, “Come to me.”
A Moment to Reflect with Encouraging Action
What steps can you take to ensure that your mental health remains a priority in your daily work routine?
Action Step:
Take a few minutes today, whether during your lunch break or at the end of the day, to pause and reflect. Pray over your workload, your colleagues, and your mental health. Ask God for wisdom on how to manage your time and responsibilities in a way that honours Him and protects your well-being.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of rest and for caring about every detail of our lives, including our work and mental health. Help us to lean on You when the pressures of life feel overwhelming. Give us the wisdom to prioritise our well-being, to set healthy boundaries, and to find peace in You. As we go about our work today, remind us that our value comes from You and not from what we achieve. Guard our hearts and minds with Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
