The Problem with Restlessness

 

They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.  They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in his promise. They murmured in their tents, and did not obey the voice of the Lord. Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness, and would make their offspring fall among the nations, scattering them among the lands. (Psalm 106:19-27 ESV).

 

The human condition of sin breeds a strong restlessness within all of us. Our reading today is a list of the restlessness of the nation of Israel after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt and their travel to the Promised Land. The portion I’ve included here is particularly vivid.

 

It reminds me of the old saying that “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I must admit that the grass really is greener in some places outside of our arid region. However, that is not what the psalmist is describing. This is that concept of dissatisfaction that we can have when we don’t recognize that God is preparing a place for us that will more than satisfy our every desire. The fact that we are not there yet is merely a reflection that we are not yet ready for that new home.

 

The psalmist recalls how God gave his people a home. God brought them out of Egypt and protected and provided for them. But Israel often longed for something different, thinking they could do better. Yet, in running from God, they ran from the One who provided their true home. Our sinful hearts easily forget the gift of the home we have with God. This is the great danger of our restlessness.

 

When Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that “It's not the destination, it's the journey,” he was simply wrong. Without the knowledge of the destination of heaven, the journey means nothing, whether it has been good or bad! That pleasant land He has prepared for us is worth it all! Take comfort in that.