Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

1. Exodus 20:8-11:

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”

Taking rest from your work is a command and not a suggestion. You need to rest and recharge so that you can give your best work on another day. God has prescribed it.

You certainly need a day’s break to enjoy the fruit of your labor and to invest in your family and devotional time too!

2. Colossians 3:23

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

This is such good advice! It is hard to stay motivated when work is hard. Try and see the work that you do as a sacrifice of worship to God. Do the best that you can do and ask God to bless it.

3. Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

This verse pairs lovely with the one above, Colossians 3:23. The light that you have inside of you is to show others the glory of God. So as you go about your work, do it to the best of your ability and with a good attitude.

4. Psalm 128: 1-2

How joyful are those who fear the Lord—

    all who follow his ways!

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

    How joyful and prosperous you will be!

If you put God at the center of everything you do then your labor will be blessed!

5. Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

This verse is a good reminder to lay your burdens down and rest.

6. Ecclesiastes 3:22

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.

This is great advice and a quest for us all to find joy in the work we do even when it might be difficult to do so.

7. 1 Corinthians 10:31

 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Another wise word, to do it all for the glory of God. When you have this attitude, it is much easier to do the work before you!

8. Psalm 127 : 1-2

Unless the Lord builds a house,

    the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

    guarding it with sentries will do no good.

It is useless for you to work so hard

    from early morning until late at night,

anxiously working for food to eat;

    for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Make sure that you invite the Lord to partner with you in the work that you do. God is the source of success in whatever you seek to do.

9. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

This is another encouraging verse to remind us that God wants us to be happy in the work that we do and to then take a break and enjoy the lifestyle that it affords us.

10. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

There is so much wisdom in the Book of Ecclesiastes! I found these bible verses quite challenging.

Enjoyment in life does not come from possessions or riches but it comes from knowing God and doing the work that He gives us to do with thanksgiving in our heart, whether it causes pain or pleasure.

But verse 20 is very encouraging, it states that when we keep the right heart attitude about the work that He places before us that we will enjoy life!