The Invitation of Boredom: Make the Most of It

Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

When was the last time you were just plain bored?

When her children came to her complaining that they were bored, one wise mom had a list of chores that needed doing, ready for them to pick from. That solved that. How about you? Does boredom drive you into rest and a new purpose or send you spiraling into addictive time wasters?

Boredom used to be a normal part of life. Now, with a device in our hands, we can swipe, scroll, and binge our way past any moment of discomfort. But does that actually leave us feeling more fulfilled? Or just drained? Here’s a new thought. Boredom isn’t just an empty moment—it’s an invitation. It’s a signal that something in us is craving engagement, creativity, or deeper connection. It might even be an opportunity for quiet or rest or connection. But instead of responding to that call, many of us numb boredom.

While digital distractions can momentarily alleviate boredom, they often leave us feeling more dissatisfied. Studies have found that frequently switching between short online videos can increase feelings of boredom instead of reducing them.[1] Instead of making us happier, habits like scrolling on our devices just drain us further.

The Bible tells us that we were made for purpose, not for passive consumption of life. “Be very careful, then, how you live” it says, “not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) The next time you feel aimless, don’t just scroll past it. Take care of yourself—get outside, exercise, rest. Engage in something meaningful—help a neighbor, learn a skill, text a friend. Spend time with God—prayer and scripture turn empty moments into transforming ones.

[1]Tam, Katy Y. Y., and Michael Inzlicht. “Fast-Forward to Boredom: How Switching Behavior on Digital Media Makes People More Bored.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, vol. 153, no. 10, 2024, pp. 2409–2426. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001639.