There are days at work where there is tension. Between staff and clients, co-workers, owners and employees, vendors and recipients. Wherever there are people and differences in opinion, stress can ensue. This can be especially impactful in our workplaces depending on how we handle it.
As Christian women, we have a tool box we can reach 'into' at any time to help us diffuse tension and reduce stress or anger when faced with it, work included:
"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." (Colossians 3:15-17 MSG)
SEVEN TOOLS FOR US TO HELP REDUCE TENSION AT WORK
1. PRAY FOR PEACE - ask God for His peace. Invite it into the situation. Maintain your composure as you pray.
"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." (John 14:27)
2. REMAIN TEAM FOCUSED - not only are we a part of a team in our workplaces, we are also on Team Jesus. Keep focused on the team aspect as you face tension, not the situation which could divide you.
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10)
3. CONTINUE TO BE THANKFUL - refuse to partner with discouragement and allow negative thoughts to overtake your mind. Remain thankful overall for your job, your coworkers, your clients - even if you have difficulties at times.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
4. LET THE WORD RULE WITHIN - spend time in His Word regularly, so that when you are asking for His help, God can bring timely words back to your mind when you need them.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellence or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)
5. SPEAK WISE WORDS - Share wisdom as you speak to one another, as you depend on Holy Spirit for His guidance on the right words to share when appropriate.
"The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:25-26)
6. KEEP WORSHIPPING - Keep praise and worship songs playing on Spotify or your devices on a regular basis. Sing along whenever you can, considering it an important part of maintaining a close relationship with God.
"You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." (Luke 4:8)
7. GIVE IT ALL TO HIM - Whatever we do - at work, at home, wherever we are - we are to offer it all to God as an offering.
"I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)
TAKING THIS TO GOD IN PRAYER:
God, I often feel stressed and occasionally angry when faced with a difficult situation at work. I thank You that You are always with me, and that nothing I face is ever a surprise to You. Help me to pause and pray, wait for Your wisdom, and follow Your prompting as I respond to tension at work. Your Word reminds me that You not only equip me but are with me when I am up against more than I can handle on my own. May I keep studying Your Word, praying for Your guidance, worshipping You for who You are, and regularly give You thanks for all You have done and blessed me with. I give all of me back to You again now with a grateful heart. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
"Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace." - Joan Borysenko
When I am very stressed or overwhelmed by a difficult situation or unresolved tension in my work place, one passage reassures me that God is not only alongside me but helping me in ways I cannot even discern. It is my other key Word passage in my toolbox at work:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)
What verses help you in navigating tension in your workplace? We'd love to know!