Have you ever come to the end of the day and rejoiced in the complete and total luxury of just being able to climb into a warm and comfortable bed? There are few feelings as beautiful as drifting off immediately into a peaceful and restful sleep. That is the result of having done something. Truly completing hard work results in a weariness that demands rest.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 says, “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little of much.” But the verse continues with a contrast: “But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.” Solomon knew the worry and mental turmoil that could trouble those who focused on schemes to gain or maintain wealth. And there is a weariness of the mind that comes from unproductive sources. That sort is not the kind that brings a sense of achievement and completeness.

Next time you get the feeling of being weary from hard and productive work, take just a moment to relish the thought of falling into that wonderful bed and blissful sleep. You have earned the rest!