Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Work-related stress can be caused by excessive demand and result in physical exhaustion, anxiety or burnout. Cluster headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances can be common symptoms of being overworked. Chronic work-stress can cause significant wear and tear on the body and lead to severe health complications.
We notice a wonderful host Martha communicating work-related stress to Jesus. Normally, work-related stress exhibits itself as irritability, mood swings or apathy. Work-related stress reverberates as complaints and grievances. Martha complains to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b). Martha was probably overworking to spread an elaborate meal for Jesus and His disciples. Martha was the host. She was the one who invited Jesus into her home for an evangelistic meeting but Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:40a). While Martha was busy in the kitchen, Mary, her sister, was basking under the teachings of Jesus. Watching her sister enjoying the teachings of Jesus made Martha cranky!
Work related stress can make us grumpy and grouchy. It can rob the joy in our personal life. Self-pity that no one cares or a feeling of being misused by the employers can crush our spirit. Stress about the unfinished work can steal our sleep. Jesus gave Martha a very profound advice. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed—or indeed only one (vs 41). The one thing that Jesus referred to is “Himself”. When we seek Him, prioritize Him and esteem Him above work, career or achievements then, our work will be pleasurable. When we seek Him first, wisdom, intellect and skill that we need to excel in our jobs will automatically follow.
Destress:
- Prioritize: Plan your working day and communicate your priorities clearly. When the process is pleasurable the output will be excellent. So, enjoy what you do.
- Pray: Pray about everything.
- Poise: Gratitude gives us the poise to have graceful control over our emotions even under pressure.
Prioritizing Jesus endows us with the spirit of excellence.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I will prioritize you above work, career or accolades. Amen.
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