“I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 24:30-34

Lord God, As I make my way through the week I work. I push really hard. I stay up late and I get up early; even at night my mind doesn’t stop. Here I am on a Saturday and a list of chores and tasks and to-dos from both home and work are rushing through my mind. You have called me to be productive with my life just as you called Adam and Eve to work the ground, to care for it and to cultivate it. You have called for the same from me and in my life. So, Lord, today give me strength and energy to work hard at the tasks in front of me. Make me diligent about my tasks and productive in my life. And, at the same time, dear Savior, help me to rest my body and my heart in your finished work. I can rest my heart and even my body at night and on days of rest and relaxation because you rested from your work. You watch over the city so I can sleep at night. You will accomplish your will whether I am awake or asleep. The success of my productivity doesn’t rest in my long hours. Help me to rest because you are ruling. Help me to rest because you will provide and care for us. Help me to rest because your will is always accomplished in me and through me. You are always successful. Your will is always accomplished. Help me to work and grant me deep rest because of who you are. Amen.

So, we work hard and we rest deeply. We work hard because that is what God has given us to do during our days on earth. We rest deeply because God has finished his work and he is the one who truly provides and cares for us through our work.