To be restless is the inability to relax, or find satisfaction due to boredom, feeling unproductive, waiting, or being hurt. Feeling restless makes us feel the pressure to take matters into our own hands, often prematurely, to find resolution and satisfaction. 

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist describes being in turmoil. His wounds go down to his very bones. He is so upset he has no appetite. Everyday he can’t hold back the tears. And to make things worse, he has people all around him ridiculing his faith and his circumstances. He wonders, “Has God forgotten me?” Despite all this, the Psalmist declares: Satisfaction and contentment are found in God alone (v 1-2). Just as a thirsty deer pants for water, so his entire being longs for God.

What are we to do when we long for God, but our circumstances don't change; when we feel restless waiting for God to act? 

1. Be faithful to worship God with the people of God (vs. 4). If you want to feel close to God, gather faithfully with God’s people, and participate. We are never spectators or consumers when it comes to worship. 

2. Take time to remember God’s steadfast love and praise him (v 6-8). The Psalmist knew the same God who is control of the roaring waterfalls, waves and breakers that swelled over him, is the same God who “commands” his unfailing love.

3. Preach to yourself to have (an active) hope in God (vs 5,11). The verb “hope” is an imperative; meaning it’s a command to do something. Be ready to take steps of faith because you have decided convictions in who God is. 

Thankfully, we have a Savior who knows what it is like to be taunted, to be tempted to take matters into his own hands, to feel forsaken, and to know what it is like to be thirsty - and yet in all those things, model faithfulness, and he promises to empower us by the power of the Holy Spirit to put these disciplines into practice.

Taking It Home: Among the three main points above, which one resonated with you the most and why?