I’m not usually a fan of change, but there have been times when I’ve wanted to mix things up a bit. Just let me do something completely different for awhile. You’ve probably experienced it too.

Maybe you legitimately need to evaluate where you are, seek God’s wisdom, and make some changes. What I’m referring to is feeling restless or dissatisfied with where God has you right now.

Can I be honest? Sometimes I’d rather do anything other than write and speak. When I don’t get feedback on posts I’ve written, books aren’t selling, and there are no invitations to speak, it’s easy to question whether I should continue. 

I’m sure David, the writer of the Psalms, must have experienced something similar. No, he didn’t have a website or speak to women’s groups, but I have no doubt there were times he wondered if the Lord really intended to make him King of Israel.

David was a teenager when the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king. Instead of an immediate invitation to pack up his things and move into the palace, David was instructed to continue taking care of his father’s sheep.

When David did get to the palace, it was to play the harp for King Saul who had gone a bit crazy. Saul’s affection for David turned to jealousy, and soon it was clear Saul wanted to kill David. I’m sure I would have had my doubts about being the next king after dodging the king’s javelin a time or two.

David spent several years running for his life from an angry, jealous King Saul. I can imagine how weary David must have been – both physically and emotionally. Was the throne really worth it?
On a couple occasions, David had the opportunity to kill Saul. Those who were with David gave him the following advice:

It had to be tempting for David. Had he listened to his men, he could have taken the throne. As it was, he cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. Guilt washed over him, and his response reaffirmed his trust in God’s timing to make him king:

Roughly fifteen or sixteen years passed from the time David was anointed by Samuel and the time he became king. The Psalms give us a window into David’s heart. Were there times he struggled with restlessness? Of course. Did he always understand what God was doing? Absolutely not. 

Through it all what was David’s response? He poured out his heart to God – the good, the bad, and the ugly. He had a close relationship with the Lord and lived for His approval; knowing God would provide for him in every situation.

When I start down my own path of restlessness, how can I get back on track? Follow David’s example from God’s Word. Tell the Lord all that I’m feeling and remember the truth: