I’m sure you’ve heard of restless leg syndrome. It’s a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in your leg and an irresistible urge to move them. It’s considered a sleeping disorder, because the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep—instead, those suffering from it are forced to move their legs, thereby unable to sleep.
But have you heard of restless heart syndrome? Since I just made it up, probably not. Those who suffer from this disorder have an uncomfortable or uneasy sensation in their spirit (or heart). It’s much like restless leg syndrome in that the symptoms tend to be worse at night when there is nothing to distract us from our thoughts.
This is that discomfort that comes when you sense the Lord is preparing you for a shift in your path or dream. Maybe it’s your career, or where you’re living, or a questionable relationship. Whatever it may be, you feel increasingly uneasy or dissatisfied with it, although, just like restless leg syndrome, you might not be able to pinpoint the origin or have the first clue how to relieve the symptoms.
I’ve been suffering from this syndrome for several weeks—restless heart, not restless leg. In case you might be a fellow sufferer, I thought I’d pass on some of the insights the Lord has shared with me.
First, be sure to bring it to the throne room of grace. Yes, the Lord already knows everything we’re feeling and thinking, but it helps to verbalize our symptoms in prayer. It tends to bring some peace, even if it’s at first short-lived or sporadic. It’s like working a muscle—the more we use it, the stronger it gets. I find myself waking in the middle of the night, and my mind goes immediately to prayer. It’s by far the best medicine for restless heart syndrome.
Second, be aware that if you share this malady with other people (friends, family, co-workers) they’re usually quick to offer advice that could easily cause more confusion than comfort. The only wisdom we can truly count on comes from the Lord. I know He uses people in our lives to share a word or give us direction, but we need to be sure He confirms it before we trust in it. Everyone has an opinion—but only God knows every detail of our past, present, and future.
Third, we shouldn’t make any rash decisions. Years ago, I had a literary agent with a well-respected firm, but I continually heard a voice in my spirit whisper, “Let me be your agent.” I struggled with breaking my contract because, as this agent so honestly shared, “Ninety-nine percent of unpublished writers would give anything to be where you are. Why would you walk away from this?” But that still, small voice would not go away, and after several months, I couldn’t deny it was the Lord. But hear me when I tell you wasn’t days of struggle—it was literally months.
When I finally made the break, God had the next step already worked out. I didn’t see it at the time, but when I look back on that situation, I can clearly see God’s hand in every detail. Had I walked away from that agent earlier, I would’ve been like a sojourner without a map—lost and wandering with no clear direction.
The Lord may give us a restless heart because He’s preparing us for something to come, but His timing and His plans are perfect. When Chris and I felt God was moving us out of California, we waited almost three years before He gave us the go ahead. Be patient. He will reveal to you the when and where of His direction when the time is right.
For the fourth step, let me start with Proverb 3:5-6—Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Faith over fear. The unknown is often scary—all those pesky what if questions. But if God asks you to move, He will carry you through to His chosen destination. Think of Abraham leaving everything he knew behind without benefit of foreknowledge. Instead, he trusted God and His promises.
So can we.
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