‘I’m bored!’ is not only the plaintive wail of a child which strikes terror into the heart of a parent. It seems to be the cry of a society which can no longer tolerate stillness and rest. We are hyper-stimulated in the modern world. Our frantic pace, endless interruptions, and the rich abundance of entertainment, fast-paced movies, video games and fondness for social media all are a feast for the eyes but they hyper-stimulate. From the time we awaken to our return to sleep, there is almost never a moment of silence, or a time when we are not being bombarded by images, often flickering and quickly changing.
This hyper-stimulation means that when we come upon things like quiet prayer or adoration, or are asked to listen for an extended period, or when the imagery is not fast changing, we are easily bored and therefore turn our backs on spiritual disciplines which require perseverance and quietness. We seem indifferent to God, showing enthusiasm for everything except Him. Charles Pope says, ‘We have time and passion for everything else, but not for God. It is a very deep drive. We are mesmerized by many things of the world, but bored, sorrowful and thus slothful over the things of the spiritual life. Where is the joy? Where is the zeal? Where is the hunger for completion in God?’
God wants to be first in our lives. Rom 12:11 says ‘Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.’ This is a challenge for us all. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:3) There is no need for us to be bored!
The next time we find ourselves bored and indifferent, we need to draw close to God and dig deep into His treasury.