Finding Rest in God: Trusting Him in Our Restlessness

Life Lesson 51: I’m learning to meditate on God’s promises when I feel restless. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By focusing on His truth, I find peace and direction even in uncertainty.

Have you ever had moments when you can’t shake a feeling of restlessness? The weight of an uncertain future, the endless responsibilities pressing in, health concerns, or the noise of your thoughts won’t quiet down. We’ve all been there. But the good news is, we aren’t meant to carry these burdens alone. God invites us into His perfect peace and offers rest for our weary souls.

Let’s dive into what Scripture says about restlessness and how to trust God in those uneasy moments.

Come to Jesus for True Rest

Jesus Himself offers us an open invitation when we feel burdened and restless: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Jesus doesn’t just acknowledge our struggles—He offers a solution. He doesn’t say, “Figure it out on your own.” He says, “Come to me.” Rest isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about finding peace deep within our souls that only He can give.

Rest Begins With Trust

How often do we try to control everything around us? It’s no wonder we feel restless. But Scripture reminds us where true rest is found: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” — Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

When we trust God as our rock and refuge, we release the anxiety that comes with uncertainty. Rest isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about knowing that Jesus–the Author and Perfector of our lives, holds our future in His hands.

Fix Your Thoughts on God

Our minds can be our greatest battlefield. When our thoughts spiral into worry, finding peace feels impossible. But Isaiah 26:3 offers this promise: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” — Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Instead of dwelling on what’s causing distress, we can focus on God’s promises and faithfulness. Shifting our thoughts toward Him makes all the difference, whether through prayer, reading His Word, or worship. Personally, whenever I feel restless, I’ve noticed that simply turning to God—whether through prayer, Scripture, or even listening to a worship song—brings an undeniable peace. It reminds us that He is in control, even when life is chaotic.

Pray Instead of Worry

Paul gives us a powerful strategy for handling anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Prayer isn’t just something we do when we’re desperate—it’s a lifestyle. When restlessness creeps in, we have a choice. We can let worry take over or bring it to God. When we pray, we’re not just speaking into the void; we’re handing our concerns over to the One who loves us and is entirely in control.

Trust God With Your Sleep

For some, restlessness shows up in sleepless nights. But even in the quiet of the night, God cares for us: “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” — Proverbs 3:24 (ESV).

If anxious thoughts keep you awake, take a moment to pray before bed. Lay your worries in God’s hands, trusting Him to fill your heart with peace and grant you rest. And if you wake in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, consider it a gentle nudge to pray for others. Lift up the people in your life, the stories you’ve heard, and the needs around you. You may be surprised at how quickly God’s presence calms your spirit and leads you back to sleep. His peace isn’t just for the daytime—it’s a gift for the quiet moments when the world rests, but your mind won’t. Trust Him, and rest in His love.

Acknowledge Restlessness, But Seek God’s Way

Even faithful men like Job experienced deep restlessness: “I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” — Job 3:26 (NIV)

Feeling restless doesn’t mean you lack faith. It means you’re human. But God has a path for us to find rest: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'” — Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

God offers us a way to peace, but we must choose to follow Him. When we stand at the crossroads of worry and trust, our choice determines whether we continue in restlessness or step into His peace.

Finding Rest in Him

If you’re feeling restless today, know that God sees you, loves you, and invites you into His peace. Instead of seeing restlessness as a burden, see it as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. As we fix our minds on the Lord, lift our prayers in gratitude, and walk in His way, we will experience deep and lasting rest.

Are you struggling with restlessness? Please take a moment to pray, surrender your worries, and trust the One who holds everything together. God’s rest is waiting for you.

What are some ways you find peace in God during restless seasons? Send your story to pat@talkingaboutgodslove.com! I would love to hear how God’s peace fills your heart and draws you to contentment.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” — St. Augustine