ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

In case this chapter is starting to sound like the nightly news, wrapped in yellow crime scene tape, don’t despair – hope abounds. With that in mind, consider the following central text for this chap- ter and the four remedies for boredom derived from it: “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 5:1,9:10,). Discover boredom’s hidden blessing. In other words, beat it by embracing it. Boredom is fueled by a desire to “do something,” a condition which our society heartily endorses. Most people, espe- cially in ministry circles, love to testify how busy they are. I know for a fact that pastors get bored, yet you won’t find many who will admit it. If you fall into the trap of always having to “do something,” let me suggest that you “be something” for starters. “Enjoy having noth- ing on your mind. Enjoy that there’s nothing you have to do. Use the time for rest and recharge your batteries. “And eventually, you will notice that boredom starts to disappear.” 74 Our key passage challenges us to “draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools” (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Solomon, who had visited the courtroom, marketplace, highway, and palace, is now taking us into the temple, that magnificent structure whose con- struction he supervised.Watching people come and go, “He noted that many of them were not at all sincere in their worship, and they left the sacred precincts in worse spiritual condition than when they had entered.” 75 His 3000 year old challenge is more pertinent that ever.Turn your boredom into a time to draw near to God, meditating upon Scripture and spending quality time in prayer. If poised and ready, you’re more likely to hear from Him during a period of boredom rather than a time of busyness.

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