The rise of the mobile phone and the development of social networking sites, resulting in the Facebook and Twitter generation, have led to a large increase in unhappiness and loneliness. The modern way of life for many young people has caused boredom to escalate. Never have there been so many words spoken and conversations made only for all that effort to have a negative return. As you walk down the street, pass through a store, stand at a bus stop or sit in a café, voices are raised in conversation; many seem to be speaking inordinately loud, as if their partner at the other end is deaf. The average monthly bill for my mobile is about £3.50; I would be worried if it were more! The scriptures say: “There is sin in the multitude of words.” [Proverbs 10:19]. The Living Bible translates it thus: “Don’t talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow! When a good man speaks, he is worth listening to, but the words of fools are a dime a dozen.”
35% of a recent adult survey shows that 16 to 24-years olds are bored with their lives; more than 28% of that age group said that it was loneliness that was making them unhappy. They also cite that only better or improving relationships could cure or solve their misery. Three out of ten also said they were unhappy struggling to find a job and the same number thought they could find happiness abroad. When the whole survey was analysed of all age groups the average level of happiness was 6 out of ten or 60%, which means they are just over halfway to being happy! 63% of all age groups reckoned they needed to earn £40,000 to be happy. It probably wouldn’t make them happy, but why sour an already marginal life with negative talking? It was Bertrand Russell who said: “To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.”
Winston Churchill, when reaching the end of his life said, “I’m bored with it all,” and he probably was, he lived a long time, did many things, reached his final destination, and had had enough, but possibly he was the greatest Briton who ever lived. I reckon when you get to that stage in life, life is virtually over. However, Jerry Bridges said, “Every day is important for us because it is a day ordained by God. If we are bored with life there is something wrong with our concept of God and His involvement in our daily lives. Even the most dull and tedious days of our lives are ordained by God and ought to be used by us to glorify Him. [Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts].
After my late wife died I received a booklet though the post to tell me how to know that someone was dying, a bit late though it was, it was interesting. Three things become uppermost in their lives, a disinclination to eat, thus a weight loss, a loss of worldwide vision; an exploring mentality disengaged and a general loss of personal interest in current happenings. Thus a disinterest in anything. They begin to withdraw, almost like permanent boredom.
When she died I faced a lonely existence, for I had nursed her for 47 of our 54 years together and that constant care left its mark on me. I suddenly found the TV was on more as I filled the home with voices, any voices it didn’t matter, and I was repeatedly going out to Kingston near where I lived to walk and mix amongst society of all forms in many ways. I needed to fill my life with company and sounds, the quietness disturbed me. I had forgotten God and the sweet meditation that made my life what it was. I realised I was bored with having nothing to do, the object of my love, attention and pity had gone. I began to pity myself, a bad action indeed.
I turned to God, which was a wise move, and in that daily meditation found peace again. No one said anything of note that affected me except God’s living word. I gave myself back to seeking God, and found in the preparation of the living word for sermonising, relief and sanity again. All the talking, friendship and alliances mattered little, it didn’t reach the depths of my soul only God could do that. It was not in the multitude of words, but in the quietness of a sovereign God who dispensed His peace that passes understanding. Within six months I had found security in relationship with God Almighty again. Life could begin again, hope beckoned, my life was alive in the depths of interest sponsored by the Holy Spirit of visions beyond. Why not try it in the midst of your boredom and unhappiness.
