Last week, we discussed "Resting at Work" and how it does not mean neglecting our responsibilities. Instead, it is about resting in the Lord while we do our best with tasks, demands, and challenges. We have things to do, deadlines to meet, and colleagues who may disagree with us. They are all things that can interrupt a smooth workday. (By the way, if there is such a thing!) Last week, we considered what makes us weary or burdened. It may be something that just occurred or a long-standing unresolved issue. It could just be too much to do. We were to write down three things that make us weary and burdened. As I reflected on my own business, areas that can burden me include: 1. Miscommunications among staff or patients 2. Cash flow issues 3. Hiring new staff that will fit into the clinic's culture and works well with staff. Do any of those three areas resonate with you? Number 1 is prevalent amongst all of us. Miscommunications can lead to conflict situations which are even more burdensome. Obviously, it is best to minimize these miscommunications by having clear policies and procedures, communicating regularly, and asking God to help us discern if there are changes in behavior or stress, among others.
However, despite our best efforts and intentions, misunderstandings can occur. How can we rest in God when these misunderstandings are causing stress or conflict? There are really three things for us to do. Two are found in Micah 6:8, and one is found in Matthew 11:28-29 and Mark 6:31. When we are dealing with a human resource issue, whether a "sense of something is not quite right" or it is escalating to a conflict, we must commit to:
Doing the right thing
Doing the right thing with grace and kindness
Doing the right thing by being in His presence before, during, and after decision-making and conversations.
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29) "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31) "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
The first step is to seek God.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes be the last resort instead of the "first resort." The Lord promises He will give us rest when we seek him (2 Chronicles 14:7), and we are to eagerly seek Him (2 Chronicles 15:15). How lovely and encouraging to know He tells us to eagerly seek Him!
Step 2: When we remember God is sovereign, good, loving, and wise, we can rest in Him.
He has told us in Micah 6:8 what He requires from us: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. We can rest in knowing what He requires, and we can rest when we know we have done that to the best of our ability. Then, we can “let God be God." We can rest in that because He has told us to do so, as we experience the peace and security which He has promised us.
Taking This to God in Prayer
Lord, there are many issues I am dealing with. Right now, I am bringing this situation to You. This burden is really tiring me and weighing me down. Help me to remember to go first into Your Presence before I try to figure it out as well as when it comes to my mind and heart. You have promised that, when doing this, I can have rest that only You can give. I claim this promise. When I am in Your Presence and quiet before You, Lord, please show me the right thing to do, as well as how to do it with grace and kindness. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness and what You will show me as I look to You for direction. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I wish you a wonderful and restful week at work. God Bless! Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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