Bored No More

Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.

PROVERBS 19:15

SAYING “I’M BORED!” can usually get you in a pinch. Lots of parents bristle when kids say those words. That’s because boredom, as much as it seems like something that happens to you, is actually a choice. When it seems like there’s nothing to do, that’s a signal to your brain that it’s time to get creative and helpful. We often turn to screens when we want to check out or not feel bored, but really, boredom is a good thing because it can trigger us to do something different—go outside, play a game, or create something.

Choosing not to be bored is our responsibility, and God tells us to do something rather than sit around and complain. There are lots of places in the Bible where the writers remind us that being idle, or not doing anything, leads to unhappy things. We honor God when we get up and do something helpful or creative instead of sitting and griping about boredom.

So the next time you’re tempted to say, “I’m bored!”—stop yourself! Instead, ask what you can do that you haven’t done in a while, like play a board game, draw a picture, or do a couple of chores. You’ll quickly find that the best cure for boredom is creative thinking!

DO

Take a pencil and paper outside. Find something in nature that’s unusual, red, and fits in your hand. List that item. Now think of other characteristics to look for, such as green, lightweight, and wet. Do this a few times. Now you have a great way to fight off boredom!

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a creative brain that is great at thinking up ideas. Please help me decide to never be bored but to instead find creative and helpful things to do. Amen.

READ

Proverbs 31:27; Ecclesiastes 10:18