Sometimes the “good life” feels just out of reach. I see it up ahead, but I never seem to be able to catch it. I see others smiling and thriving, seemingly unburdened by the challenges of this life while I wrestle with my own mess, wondering why they have what I crave. I want to be “there” where they are, instead of “here” where I am. I am restless.
What is the “good life?” Is it freedom from burdens, having happiness and confidence, and living out our dreams? Or is there more?
Restlessness whispers, “Life should be better than this.” It shows up as anxiety, boredom, or a mind that races with endless plans and refuses to rest – even at night. Deep down, it’s a longing for change, for something greater, for more than what we currently have.
So how do we change our thought patterns and actions? The world offers one path. God offers another.
The World says: Hustle harder
God says: Trust God (Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”)
The World says: Manifest your goals and destiny
God says: Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”)
The World says: Determine your own life path
God says: God determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”)
The World says: Get what you want by putting yourself first
God says: God elevates the humble (James 4:6 – “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”)
The World says: Success equals achievement
God says: Success is everyday faithfulness (Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”)
The World says: Life is short; live for yourself
God says: Life is short; live for God (Romans 14:8 – ” If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”)
The World says: Your life is your own
God says: You belong to God (I Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”)
The World says: All things will work out if you believe in yourself
God says: All things work toward His purpose if you believe in Him (Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)
We’re not the first to feel restless. God’s people wandered for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land. They didn’t like their circumstances, but God provided daily. He could be trusted—even when they didn’t understand His provision.
When we’re waiting for our “not yet,” we need to lean into God’s goodness. By looking back at His faithfulness in the past, it makes trusting Him with the future easier.
Have you ever done a trust fall? It’s a team building exercise where you fall backwards into the arms of a group of people, fully trusting that they are going to catch you and not let you hit the ground. Would it be easier to trust close friends to catch you or a group of strangers? Trust grows when you have a relationship. The same is true with God. The more we know Him, the easier it is to rest in His arms and trust Him.
Restlessness fades when we trade self-reliance for God-reliance. The good life isn’t found in striving—it’s found in surrender.
