Restlessness

Causes of restlessness

Worry

Ec 5:12; Je 49:23

See also Ge 41:8; Es 6:1; Pr 15:16; Da 2:1; Da 6:18–19

Illness

Job 7:4–5 NASB95

“When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night continues, And I am continually tossing until dawn. “My flesh is clothed with worms and a crust of dirt, My skin hardens and runs.

See also Ps 6:2–6; Ps 32:3–4; Ps 38:3–10; Is 38:13–14

Lack of purpose

Ecclesiastes 2:22–23 NASB95

For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.

See also Ps 107:4–5

Uncompleted business

Ruth 3:18 NASB95

Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”

Rebelliousness

Genesis 27:40 NASB95

“By your sword you shall live, And your brother you shall serve; But it shall come about when you become restless, That you will break his yoke from your neck.”

Demon-possession

Mk 5:3–5; Mt 12:43

Sinfulness

Is 57:20–21; Jud 13

See also Job 3:17; Ps 59:15; Is 48:22; Je 14:10; Je 50:6; 1 Ti 6:20–21; Jas 3:8; Re 14:11

Restlessness as part of God’s judgment against sin

Deuteronomy 28:65–67 NASB95

“Among those nations you shall find no rest, and there will be no resting place for the sole of your foot; but there the Lord will give you a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and despair of soul. “So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. “In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘Would that it were morning!’ because of the dread of your heart which you dread, and for the sight of your eyes which you will see.

See also Ge 4:11–14; Ps 107:40; Ps 109:10; La 4:15; Am 8:12; Zec 10:2

Antidotes to restlessness

Trusting in God

Ps 62:1; Is 26:3; Is 30:15; Php 4:6

See also Ex 33:14; Ps 46:10; Is 32:17; Je 6:16; Mt 6:31–32

Trusting in Jesus Christ

Matthew 11:28–30 NASB95

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”