The Dog Days of Summer and A Restless Soul

Toward the end of July and into August, I experienced feelings of malaise and unease. When I shared my thoughts with a friend, she bluntly asked: “Why?”

Why indeed? I didn’t have a concrete answer, so I dismissed her question by saying, “Oh, just the dog days of summer, I guess.”

I heard that phrase for years, but didn’t know what it meant, so I researched its meaning. The Dog Days of Summer references a period of hot and humid weather during July and August.

This scorching phase of the year coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is the brightest star in our sky other than the Sun.

But the real question was why I felt the way I did. At the start of summer, I eagerly anticipated the joy-filled days of the season. Why should a period of dry, sultry heat disrupt those positive vibes?

A Restless Soul

The term restlessness sums up my mood. Writers of the Bible describe restlessness as inner disquiet. Unease is another term used. Restlessness is the opposite of rest. When our soul is restless, it is not at rest.

“Why are you in despair my soul? And why are you restless within me?”

(Psalm 42:5; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 43:5 NASB)

The psalmist asks himself these questions three times in Psalm 42 and 43. Clearly, he felt troubled. I understand why he sought answers. Inner disquiet is a hard thing.

Bible commentator Andrew MacLaren points out the psalmist is questioning himself as to the reasonableness of the emotions churning in his soul. MacLaren concludes by saying, “our moods and emotions need to be examined and governed by a higher self.”

Was my restlessness unreasonable? I couldn’t identify a specific cause for it, so maybe. I finally took my restlessness to God.

Four Valuable Lessons

God led me to the source of my restlessness during my “Dog Days of Summer.” He also instilled four valuable lessons.

I. It’s okay to be vulnerable.

I had a couple of major disappointments this summer that I didn’t deal with. Instead, I ignored them. I swept them under the proverbial rug and kept on trucking. Maybe I feared accepting them made me vulnerable.

II. Feelings of unrest don’t make us less Christian.

I need to acknowledge and evaluate my emotions, including disappointment. I had so many things for which to be thankful that I suffered guilt about my agitation. Restlessness may signal a warning we need to pay attention to, so let’s examine our feelings.

During a sermon I heard a while ago, a pastor said our restlessness may be God stirring our soul, calling us to something different.

III. Waiting can be a good thing.

I hate waiting. Impatient for my familiar feeling of contentment to return, I rebelled and turned from God, which only added to the inner turmoil. Waiting with God is to rest in God. And rest is the opposite of restlessness.

IV. Jesus desires to share our burdens.

He tells us so throughout Scripture. In one of my favorite verses, He invites us to share His yoke, follow His lead, and rely on His support. This is the one true path to rest and contentment.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.“

(Matthew 11:29 ESV)

Have you ever wrestled with unsettled feelings? How did you handle them or what did you learn?

Immersed in His Love,

Candyce

In case you’re curious to know more about Sirius, the Dog Star, check this out: Finding Sirius, the Dog Star.

Our restlessness may be God stirring our soul, calling us to something different. #restlessness #findingrest Share on X

Alexander MacLaren. Expositions of Holy Scripture.