Overcoming Spiritual Boredom
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something we all experience from time to time—boredom. It’s that feeling when the days seem to blend into each other, and even the things we usually enjoy don’t quite spark the same joy. As Christians, we might even feel this way about our faith journey. But let me assure you, boredom doesn’t have to be a permanent resident in our lives. God has so much more in store for us!
Boredom often sneaks in when we get stuck in routines that no longer challenge or excite us. It’s easy to go through the motions of daily life and even our spiritual practices without feeling engaged. But here’s a reminder: our relationship with God is meant to be dynamic and life-giving. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Fullness of life means embracing the new and the unexpected, looking for God’s presence and purpose in every moment.
One way to combat boredom is to mix up your spiritual practices. Try something new in your prayer life or Bible study routine. Maybe it’s a new devotional, a different book of the Bible, or even a creative approach like journaling or drawing your prayers. Psalm 96:1 encourages us to “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” This doesn’t just mean literal singing—it’s about bringing fresh expressions of worship and devotion into your relationship with God.
Another recommendation is to get involved in service. Sometimes boredom comes from a focus that’s too inward. Serving others can reignite your passion and sense of purpose. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” By shifting our focus outward, we not only help others but also discover new dimensions of our faith and community.
Connecting with others is also a powerful antidote to boredom. Engage in small groups, Bible studies, or even casual coffee chats with fellow believers. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Sharing our journeys, struggles, and insights with others can provide fresh perspectives and rekindle our enthusiasm for God’s work in our lives.
Consider the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah found himself alone, afraid, and, you guessed it, bored with life. He even prayed that he might die. But God met him in his despair, providing food and rest and then speaking to him not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God gave Elijah a new mission and a renewed sense of purpose. Elijah’s story shows us that even in our lowest moments, God is there, ready to renew and redirect us.
Christian author C.S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, addresses the feeling of spiritual boredom and encourages believers to seek deeper experiences with God. He writes, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Lewis reminds us that our deepest longings and the sense of boredom we sometimes feel point us toward a deeper relationship with God and the eternal joy found in Him.
So, next time you feel boredom creeping in, remember this: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). God’s joy is not just for special occasions; it’s for the everyday moments too. Seek Him with a fresh perspective, engage in new ways of worship, serve others, and connect deeply with your community. You are loved, you are purposed, and your journey with God is an adventure worth embracing every single day. Keep looking for Him, and you’ll find that even the mundane can be filled with His glorious presence.
Intentional Faith 