From the archives of Oral Roberts
This month in America, we celebrate Labor Day. For over 100 years Americans have set aside this day to recognize the valuable contributions of our labor force and to enjoy the rewards of our labor.
Psalm 128:2 NKJV says, When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. God wants us to live happy, satisfying, well-rounded lives. And He knows that for this to be possible we need change and variety, recreation and relaxation. These things add to our total fitness.
One day during His ministry on earth, Jesus noticed the physical weariness of His twelve disciples and said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest” (Mark 6:31 NLT). How wise and sympathetic Jesus was! He understood human limitations. Jesus knew His disciples would be more effective in ministry after they got away from the demands of public life and rested awhile. God is not a hard taskmaster. He understands our needs.
Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Someone may ask, “Is God interested in my vacations? Is He interested in my pleasure and recreation, as well as my service for Him?
The answer is a decisive “Yes, God is interested!” We may distinguish between the sacred and the secular, but to God, life in all its phases is sacred. His living presence is with us at all times. So today, wherever we go or whatever we do, let us enjoy a time of rest and renewal as a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 3:13).