VOCATIONAL WELLNESS

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the WORK of our HANDS for us...” – Psalm 90:17a

VOCATIONAL WELLNESS relates to the works of our hands: “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the WORK of our HANDS for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psa.90:17). The psalmist prayed for God’s favour – His “beauty,” Face, and Smile – to beam upon him and his. We should learn to pray likewise. Vocational or Occupational Wellness involves preparing, grooming and using our skills and talents in order to gain purpose and fulfilment in life. It entails expanding our knowledge, engaging in self-development; and seeking meaningful and rewarding opportunities based on our values and interests.

Although we live in a broken world that’s in need of healing, as we believe and trust God for wellness and wholeness in our personal lives, bodies, minds, and relationships, we cannot afford to exempt our works, occupations, professions, or vocations – spiritual and secular. God desires much more than we do, that we move from dis-ease into a life of wellness in all aspects of our being. The “work of our hands” occupies a substantial chunk and significant place in our lives.

Vocation refers to one’s job or main occupation. Vocational training is that which gets one gainful employment. In Christian terms, “Vocation” includes our calling from God: That assignment or sets of assignments that we know, deep within, that we are especially gifted by God with the ability to do, in order to help advance His Purpose and build His Kingdom on earth. Our vocations constitute our life’s work and passions – the everyday roles through which God calls us to help make this world a better place. Those who are well vocationally are faithful stewards of their time, talents, and abilities; who find opportunities to develop and use them.

Prior to the Fall, Man enjoyed Vocational Wellness: “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food” (Gen.2: 8-9). God’s Covenant promises to Israel included their vocations: “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl…The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you SET your HAND…” (Dt. 28: 5, 8a).

Isaac enjoyed Vocational Wellness. Famine could not stop the blessings of God. Neither could King Abimelech, the barren land, or Isaac’s neighbours. To everyone’s amazement, the land that was dead came back to life and answered to Isaac’s seeds. God will resurrect the lands of our businesses and vocations, in Jesus’ name! All that we put our hands on shall prosper. Psalm 1 says concerning the Blessed Person: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psa.1:3).

Our Lord Jesus, the Epitome of Vocational Wellness, found meaning and was fulfilled in His callings and vocations. He testified:

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to FINISH HIS WORK” (Jh.4:34).

“I have glorified You on the earth: I HAVE FINISHED the WORK which You have given Me to do” (Jh.17:4).

Jesus found fulfilment and satisfaction in His Vocation; hence, He finished strong and finished well! We also can find Joy at work.

God’s Instructions: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecc.9:10a); And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col.3: 23-24). God’s Assurance: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor.15:58). Vocational Wellness is our portion in Christ Jesus!