October 2, 2026
38- Battling Boredom
What started out as a glowing introduction bombed when the host pastor said of his guest preacher, “Our speaker has never bored anyone with a long sermon. He always does it quickly.”
According to www.keepbelieving.com, “54% of all Americans go to work primarily to escape the boredom of life at home. And 70% of teenagers say they are bored with school.” Boredom is defined there as, “a combination of weariness, listlessness, apathy, and unconcern that causes a person feeling like doing nothing. Related words include dreariness, flatness, lethargic, and dull. To the bored person, the world is all shades of grey.”
Of all the pressing issues facing society, “Why in the world would you take on boredom?” one might ask. Turns out, it’s more serious than you think. Research indicates that it can lead to declining health, defective attitudes, and even destructive behavior.
Extreme though it is, take, for example, the August 2013 murder of Christopher Lane, a 22-year-old Australian who came to Oklahoma to play college baseball. He was shot while jogging during a visit to his girlfriend in Duncan, OK. According to www.nbcnews.com, one of the three teenagers held in the case told police they were "bored and didn’t have anything to do, so we decided to kill somebody.”
Though it doesn't address the subject directly, the following scripture provides guidance for the bored among us. “Whatever your hand finds you to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB). Hopefully, the following will help if you’re one of those who want to beat the blahs.
Discover boredom’s hidden blessing- In other words, embrace it. Boredom is often fueled by a desire to “do something,” a condition which our society heartily endorses. Raving about being busy or slammed with a full schedule is often a badge of honor, even among those retired.
Perhaps it’s time to focus on being rather than doing. Take time to sit silently before God, recharging your batteries and listening for fresh insight.
Find a need and fill it- As Solomon wrote, “Whatever your hand finds you to do, do it…” Volunteer in a school, assist at your local food bank, or serve as a greeter at your church. We once lived in a huge subdivision where an elderly man could be spotted on a daily basis picking up trash along a busy road. I’m doubting he was ever bored.
That need you fill may be your own. Take an online course, join a book club, or go to the gym. My son-in-law’s father, retired from the Navy, builds model airplanes and enjoys regular fellowship with others who do.
Proceed with passion- “Whatever your hand finds you to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NASB, emphasis added). Or as Paul penned, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17 NASB).
David, who no doubt experienced boredom, despite being king, pleaded before the Lord, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12 NASB). Like someone said, “ Purpose is the reason you journey, passion is the fire that lights the way.”
Consider the brevity of life- Although the days proceed slowly at times, the years fly by, especially the older we get. Scripture says. “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away“ (James 4:14 NASB)
A man out for a walk questioned workers on a construction project, “What are you doing?” One replied, “I’m making $10 a day.” The second responded, “I’m laying stones in this building.” A third worker then chimed in, “Why, I’m building a cathedral.”
Don’t let boredom block your vision of the work God has for you. Join with Him in constructing His eternal cathedral.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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