Rest and Pleasure is Scriptural

We’ve all been taught that hard work is the key to success, but there’s one thing many of us struggle with—enjoying the fruit of our labor.

It’s easy to get caught up in striving for success, wealth, and financial blessings. We pray earnestly for the power to get wealth, and we’re quick to claim success in our prayers. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying for success and prosperity. However, what we often overlook is the power to enjoy the wealth and success we work so hard to achieve.

Take a moment and read Ecclesiastes 5:19 slowly:
“Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth and hath given him power to eat thereof and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.”

Did you catch that? God gives us the power to not just work hard, but to enjoy the fruit of our labour. Too often, we’re so busy working hard that we forget to actually enjoy the blessings we’ve earned.

For many, this struggle comes in the form of feeling guilty for taking time for themselves, whether it’s going on a holiday, eating at a nice restaurant, or simply enjoying the things they’ve worked for. Some are held back by obligations to extended family, and some feel emotionally blackmailed into giving up their well-being for others.

But listen to me: You have permission to enjoy what you’ve worked for. Stop feeling guilty for taking care of yourself. Stop feeling bad for treating yourself to the fruits of your labour. It’s time to set yourself free from those unnecessary shackles.

Here are a few more scriptures that speak to God’s desire for us to enjoy the fruit of our labour:

Psalm 128:1-2:
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

Isaiah 65:21-22 (NIV):
“They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.” God’s will is clear—He wants you to enjoy and eat the fruit of your labour.

Note this:

1) It is scriptural to work hard and to enjoy the fruit of that hard work.

2) It is unethical to work tirelessly and then neglect to enjoy the good you’ve earned.

3) If you lose your life or your sanity in the process of pleasing others, you risk being called foolish by those who benefited from your sacrifice.

So, what should we do?

1) Work hard, yes—but don’t forget to enjoy what you’ve worked for.

2) Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into thinking you don’t deserve to rest and enjoy.

3)Apply wisdom, take care of yourself, and remember that enjoying life is part of God’s will for you.

Rest is scriptural! So go ahead and book that spa, holiday or hangout now. Shalom.