I think restlessness is a part of our fallen condition. I believe we will naturally try and seek something to ease that condition, to cope... for example drugs, alcohol, comfort food, sex, work, exercise, material things, beauty, video games and so on... the key to finding the stillness and peace within is found only in Him.
He sets us free from our weakened estate and gives us Himself. Ours is to grab a hold of Him instead of whatever else.
I think, ultimately, when He is the true Shepherd of our lives, we will not want for things to ease the restless conditions of our flesh, at least not as much and hopefully less and less. It is a lifelong process, for me anyway.
Yes, I think whatever we yearn for more than Him is a form of idolatry, but I think it, substance abuse, is an intricately challenging delima that destroys so many lives.
Lord, may you always be the desire of our hearts...♡♡♡
John 8:34-36, " 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 15:5-16, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, produces much fruit; but without Me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away like a branch, and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and letting My words; abide in you, you will ask what you will, and it will be done for you..."
Acts 5:31-32, " 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Psalms 51:10-12, " 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
1 Peter 1:13-21, " 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.