You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Isaiah 26:3 AMP
It is certainly true that God may provoke some restlessness in our hearts and minds to challenge us to steps of faith forward, but when we discern that and use these times to become increasingly intimate with God and clear about our true purpose, they become seasons of growth.
Unfortunately, those moments do not represent most restlessness. Most of our restlessness comes from taking our eyes off our focus. You know how that works. If you are trying to lose weight or eat healthily, you know to go to the grocery store with a list and stay out of the pastry aisle. You keep your focus on the way your clothes fit better. You remember you are accomplishing a significant goal. If you are trying to save money for vacation, you know scrolling through Amazon is just … well, stupid. You will lose your focus and find a thing or two you “need.” Back in the hole again. Restlessness is the sure result when we waver from our focus.
Long ago the prophet Isaiah drilled that point home. He thankfully told God, “You keep everyone in perfect peace whose focus is fixed and steady on You.” We steer away from restlessness and toward the peace of God when we consciously remember God is with us. His character and plans for us are all good. It is a daily decision, even moment by moment. We wake up every morning with a deliberate decision to focus on God all day long. When something crosses our sight that would tempt us to change our focus, we remember God is with us and giving us all we need.
You’ve heard the phrase “practicing the presence of God.” So profound, it has been spoken of and preached for centuries. You might think the concept was introduced by a famous church father, someone whose days were filled with writing and teaching. Actually, this came from Brother Lawrence (1611–1691), a lay, unordained brother in a Carmelite monastery where he primarily worked in the kitchen. His reflections, a little booklet titled The Practice of the Presence of God, have inspired countless Christians and other spiritual seekers to defeat restlessness and live in the powerful peace of God. Brother Lawrence was considered to be clumsy and inept, so he was mostly tasked with making soup for the brothers. He used his time to continually recognize God was with him. He said that practicing the Presence is a “holy habit of thought and conversation with God” that leads unerringly to love, peace, and rest.
- Father, I want to be consciously aware of You at all times. I know my restlessness will dissipate and leave me in peace as I do. Help me see people and opportunities through Your eyes. Help me hear Your voice and remain in whispered and thoughtful conversation all day. Help me consciously listen for Your voice. I know You will talk with me, and rest, not restlessness, will characterize my life.