Work is often viewed as a burden, something to endure until we can enjoy the “good part”—leisure. But Elisabeth Elliot’s words remind us of a deeper truth: work is a blessing. It’s a divine rhythm God has woven into creation. The interplay of work and leisure mirrors His design for balance in our lives.

Elliot writes, “Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest.” Her insight calls us to embrace the goodness of work and its role in making rest meaningful.

Work as a Divine Design

In Genesis, we see that work was part of God’s original design for humanity. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). This was before the fall, which means work was not a punishment but a gift—a way to participate in God’s creation.

Paul affirms this in Colossians 3:23-24:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

When we approach work as an offering to God, it transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship.

The Gift of Rest

Just as work is a blessing, so is rest. God Himself modeled rest after creation, as Genesis 2:2 tells us, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work.” This rest was not out of necessity but as a pattern for us—a rhythm of labor and restoration.

Jesus echoes this balance in Mark 6:31 when He tells His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” The rest they needed was meaningful because they had poured themselves into their work, ministering to others.

Finding Joy in the Balance

Elliot points out that leisure is most enjoyable when it follows work well done. This truth resonates with Ecclesiastes 5:18-19:
“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”

Work produces not only physical provision but also a sense of fulfillment. And when we honor the work-rest rhythm, we experience both as gifts.

Practical Steps to Embrace Work and Rest

1. View Work as Worship: Begin each day by dedicating your tasks to God. Ask Him to give you strength and purpose in your efforts.
2. Prioritize Rest: Schedule intentional time for rest and leisure, not as an afterthought but as a spiritual practice.
3. Practice Gratitude: Thank God for the ability to work and the opportunities He has given you. Gratitude shifts your perspective from drudgery to blessing.
4. Evaluate Your Balance: Are you overworking and neglecting rest, or leaning too heavily on leisure without purpose? Adjust as needed to align with God’s design.

Closing Thought

The interplay of work and rest is a divine rhythm that shapes a fulfilling life. As Elisabeth Elliot so beautifully said, “It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest.” When we embrace this truth, we find contentment in our labor and deep satisfaction in our rest. Let us remember the wisdom of Scripture and strive to live in the balance God intended.

How have you experienced the joy of work well done? What helps you find balance between work and rest? Share your thoughts below!