:(  :(  :( Boredom

Some of the characteristics of boredom are:

• Low energy level
• Often angry
• Impatience
• A lack of interest in doing something productive.

There is a need to develop creativity and a sense of responsibility. There is a strong need for contact with peers and activities. A need for a fresh outlook, fresh activities, -- do something different.

1. Reach out to help others.

   People who encourage others basically feel good about themselves. One of life’s most gratifying experiences is helping someone else and leaving the self-fretting behind. The Bible says in Acts 20:35; "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

2. Another way to encourage yourself is to ask yourself the following question; what would you like most to accomplish in your life.

Now establish one short range goal and one long range goal to reach your objective. Next you will lay a foundation for whatever it is you desire to achieve.

A short range goal may be to go to college.

• Begin to decide what you want to study.

For example: Pastoral studies, missionary leadership, accounting, engineering, etc.

• Then begin to contact colleges in order to find out what colleges offer the best opportunity to

• Then begin to search for ways to finance your college career--- scholarships, grants, college loans, etc.

Your long range goal, of course, will be to finally enter into the field for which you have selected. Let’s say you want to be a Pastor or a Missionary. Begin to contact local Pastors and find out from them what will be expected of you. They may offer advice in areas where they made mistakes early in their career. You will avoid these errors when you enter the field you have chosen.

Do an extensive and detailed work-up in preparation to lay the foundation for your short and long range goals (Sort of like drawing a map to get to where you want to go.) You will be surprised how far ahead you are when you finally step out to actually begin to work out your desires. The biggest surprise will be how fast your boredom will dissipate. Your energy, mind and heart are now directed to areas that you are excited about...something new, fresh and different.

As we are told in II Corinthians 8:11 ("Just-do-it.")

Remember what God tells us in Hebrews 4:16; "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Proverbs 16:20, "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."

James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbradideth not; and it shall be given him."

Philippians 4:6&7, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."