If we are bored, it is an indication that our interests are not being met. (Yet, as a living sacrifice, our focus should be on the Lord’s interests, not on our own – Rom 12:1-2). It may be that we want to do something but don’t know what it is we want to do. Being bored could also be because we are rebelling, in an indifferent kind of way, from a situation we don’t like yet feel incapable of changing. Sometimes, being bored is an indirect way of expressing anger. It could also be a result of doing a repetitive, monotonous task or because we have done what we were supposed to do and now have nothing to fill the void. Conversely, a person could be bored as a result of feeling so overwhelmed they don’t know where to begin.
Being bored has a number of possible negative consequences. It can create loneliness or lead to self-condemnation since nothing positive is being accomplished. Since boredom involves emotional withdrawal, relationships will eventually deteriorate if we are frequently bored and we, as individuals, will have our personal development hindered. In addition, boredom can lead to apathy and depression – a ‘Who cares?’ or ‘What difference would it make?’ type of attitude.
So how do we deal with boredom? We can focus on God’s interests rather than our own, learn to be content, and ask for guidance on what He wants us to do next (Rom 8:14). We should get our problems out into the open by talking to God and, perhaps, others about them. We can recognize that even routine activities are important to the development of our character (Col 3:23-24, NLT). Hence, we can focus on Spirit-directed service instead of the self-absorption of boredom. Further, we can learn to just enjoy being with the Lord whether we are working or simply in a break between tasks (Ps 16:8, TEV). Finally, we can recognize that boredom is a sign something is amiss in our lives and we would do well to try to understand its message to us.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.