These three Bible passages can bring you comfort when you’re feeling restless. In times of uncertainty, we can certainly rely on God’s Word for help.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1- 8
To combat restlessness, trust in God’s perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3 can help us understand the superiority of God’s timing, even when it doesn’t line up with our own plans.
In this scripture passage, the wise teacher, Ecclesiastes (translated from the Hebrew name Qoheleth), reminds us that God has set out a time for everything. There is a divine plan for our lives; however, this plan is hidden from us. Our guess at what’s around the corner is naive compared to God’s infinite wisdom; therefore, we are better off to keep our attention on the present.
We can (and should) spend some time planning for the future, but we cannot allow it to consume us. The present would be wasted if it was spent constantly thinking about the future. It is also not wise to assume that the next season will be better than the current one. The truth is that seasons of success can be followed by failure, happiness followed by grief, health followed by illness, and so on in a repeating fashion. Do not race restlessly from one thing to the next. Instead, endure/embrace the season of life which you are currently in.
God has hidden certain things from us (for our own good), but he has revealed to us the most important truth, which is who he is and what he has done for us. He “has put the timeless into [our] hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.” The rewards we seek out on earth are fleeting, but we know in our hearts that the rewards of heaven are timeless.
Jeremiah 29: 10 – 15
You can find Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” printed on everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs. But if you haven’t yet looked at this verse in context of the larger passage, there may be more you can learn from it.
This passage is a letter written by the prophet Jeremiah to the elders of Jerusalem, who had been exiled to Babylon. Jeremiah sends them a message from God. This message gives the exiled people hope. They are told that God will keep his promise to bring them out of exile and that God has plans for their welfare, to give them a future of hope.
This is one of the most comforting passages to seek out in times of restlessness, especially verse 11. It tells us that God has plans for your welfare and future. God cares for you. His plans for you are good.
When reflecting on this scripture passage, we can put ourselves in the shoes of the exiled. We can view our place of exile as the place we end up when our sin separates us from God. We know it’s not where we belong, and we desire to go home to God.
God told the exiles he would allow them to go back home after 70 years had passed. Seventy years is an entire life span in today’s world! Does this mean we will have to see an entire lifetime go by before God reveals his plans for us? No, but it encourages us to have patience and faith in God’s timing. If we desire a change in our circumstances, we must pray consistently and seek the Lord with all our heart, only then will he “change [our] lot” at the time he sees fit (Ecc 29:14).
Matthew 6: 25 – 34
Restlessness often occurs when we are worried about too many things. Matthew 6: 25 – 34 reminds us not to worry about what we will wear, eat, or drink because God will provide all that we need.
Where are your thoughts in this time of restlessness? I encourage you to bring your attention to all the needs God is meeting for you. Cast your worries on him, and they will surely fade away. Cast down your worries and pick up your pursuit for the kingdom of God.
We are part of God’s creation, just like the birds and the wildflowers. However, we are unique among all creatures, because God made us in his image and gave us dominion over all the other creatures (Gen 1: 28).
Without any action on their part, the birds have food, the flowers bloom, and the grass grows. They did not worry about whether the sun would be there in the morning or if the rain would come. And all their needs were still met. If God so provides for the birds, the flowers, and the grass, won’t he provide for his sons and daughters much more?
I hope these bible passages have brought you comfort and help you find rest. If you know more bible passages/verses that we can meditate on in times of uncertainty, anxiety, or restlessness, please share them with me via Instagram/Facebook and tag @bgf_catholic.
Peace be with you,
Isabella