Restlessness

A lack of peace, experienced physically, spiritually or mentally.

Causes of restlessness

Worry

Ecclesiastes 5:12; Jeremiah 49:23 See also Genesis 41:8; Esther 6:1; Proverbs 15:16; Daniel 2:1, Daniel 6:18–19

The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.

Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.

Illness

Job 7:4–5 See also Psalm 6:2–6, Psalm 32:3–4, Psalm 38:3–10; Isaiah 38:13–14

When I lie down I think: ‘When will I get up?’ But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering.

Lack of purpose

Ecclesiastes 2:22–23 See also Psalm 107:4–5

For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.

Uncompleted business

Ruth 3:18

Rebelliousness

Genesis 27:40

Demon-possession

Mark 5:3–5 parallel Luke 8:29; Matthew 12:43 parallel Luke 11:24

Sinfulness

Isaiah 57:20–21; Jude 1:13 See also Job 3:17; Psalm 59:15; Isaiah 48:22; Jeremiah 14:10, Jeremiah 50:6; 1 Timothy 6:20–21; James 3:8; Revelation 14:11

But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

Restlessness as part of God's judgment against sin

Deuteronomy 28:65–67 See also Genesis 4:11–14; Psalm 107:40, Psalm 109:10; Lamentations 4:15; Amos 8:12; Zechariah 10:2

Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul. So your life will hang in doubt before you, and you will be afraid night and day, never certain of survival. In the morning you will say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and in the evening you will say, ‘If only it were morning!’— because of the dread in your hearts of the terrifying sights you will see.

Antidotes to restlessness

Trusting in God

Psalm 62:1; Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 30:15; Philippians 4:6 See also Exodus 33:14; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 32:17; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 6:31–32

For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him.

You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence — but you were not willing.”

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Trusting in Jesus Christ

Matthew 11:28–30

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”