Question: A believer in Christ Jesus was recently diagnosed with stress at work by their GP and is off work for a while now to recuperate. What can they do to get better, and how can they handle the stress at work when they return?
Answer: Let me start by praying for anyone who is going through any kind of stress in life; may the Almighty God bring comfort and peace to you, in Jesus Name. Amen
Now, recovering from stress and preparing to handle it in a healthier way requires both rest and the application of biblical principles. The Bible offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical strategies to help believers renew their strength and approach work with a balanced, God-centred perspective. We shall explore some of these strategies:
1. Rest in God’s Presence and Trust in His Provision
Take Time for True Rest: God created rest for a reason. After creating the world, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), setting an example for us. Jesus also frequently took time away from the crowds to be alone in prayer (Luke 5:16), showing that solitude and rest are essential to renewal.
Trust in God’s Provision and Timing: Anxiety often builds when we try to control every outcome, but Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Trusting that God is in control and will provide helps alleviate stress.
Practice Mindfulness in God’s Presence: Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Learn to stay in His presence. Practice the presence of Jesus daily and regularly. Taking moments to pause, pray, and refocus on God’s sovereignty can calm the heart and provide clarity.
2. Engage in Regular Prayer and Meditation on Scripture
Seek God’s Peace in Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to bring every worry to God in prayer. By praying and seeking God’s guidance, we invite His peace into our lives: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Meditate on Scriptures of Encouragement and Hope: Focusing on verses that remind us of God’s care and presence, such as Psalm 23 or Isaiah 40:31, can be incredibly comforting. Meditating daily on God’s promises provides hope and strength to endure challenging times.
3. Set Healthy Boundaries and Prioritize Wisely
Balance Work and Rest: Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Setting reasonable boundaries for work time and prioritizing tasks wisely can help avoid future burnout. God designed us to work and rest in balance, recognizing our need for both.
Learn to say “no” politely and respectfully to more workload to deal with work burnout. For instance you could say; “Thank you for considering me for this task, but I currently have a full workload. Taking on additional tasks might affect my ability to deliver quality work. Could we reassess my current priorities?”
Take Regular Breaks to Refuel: Even Jesus didn’t meet every need immediately. In Mark 6:31, He encouraged His disciples to “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” A sustainable approach to work includes recognizing when to pause and recharge.
4. Embrace Community and Seek Support
Accept Help from Others: Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Sharing your struggles with your pastor, trusted friends, family, or church members allows for encouragement and prayer support. Remember, isolation can amplify stress, so embracing the church community and your support system in the community is vital.
Seek Wise Counsel and Accountability: Proverbs 11:14 teaches that “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.” Speaking with mentors at work, professional counsellors, or spiritual church leaders who can provide godly wisdom and practical strategies can help with managing stress in a balanced way.
5. Refocus on God’s Purpose and Calling in Work
View Work as Service to God, Not Just a Job: Colossians 3:23 reminds us to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This perspective helps shift stress from earthly performance to heavenly purpose. God cares about our well-being and wants us to work from a place of peace and fulfilment.
Be Faithful in Small Things and Trust God with the Big Things: Psalm 37:5 advises, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” Trusting God to guide the results and handling each task as a part of His greater plan can bring a sense of purpose, lessening feelings of stress.
6. Cultivate Thankfulness and Joy in Every Season
Practice Gratitude Daily: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages believers to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what is challenging to what is a blessing, bringing peace and contentment.
Find Joy in God’s Presence: Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” By cultivating joy in Christ, believers can find strength to face stress, as joy in God is a constant source of renewal. Always aim to find joy in God anywhere you are, even at work.
Four Suggested Strategy for a Believer New to Managing Work Stress:
- Start the Day with Prayer and Scripture: Beginning each day with God’s Word and prayer will set a peaceful, focused tone for work. God’s peace will give you tranquillity even when there is real pressure at work.
- Take Regular Breaks: Use breaks for quick prayers, deep breathing, or short walks, bringing the mind back to God. Don’t forget to have lunch also to help boost your physical energy.
- Establish a “Shut-off” Time After Work: Setting boundaries by ending work at a specific time allows for better rest and family time, ensuring spiritual renewal. As much as you can, try not to carry work into your family time at home.
- Reflect and Practice Gratitude at Day’s End: Each evening, thank God for His guidance and take time to acknowledge any accomplishments, large or small.
By God’s grace through these biblical principles, a believer can recover from stress while building resilience for the future, drawing strength from God and nurturing a sense of peace and purpose in every area of life.
God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Father turn every sorrow and pain that I have experienced in life to abundant and overflowing joy, in Jesus Name.
About The Author
Mrs Edore Sambo is a UK qualified coach (accredited with ILM and EMCC-UK member)
Email: [email protected]
