Where Does Your Energy Go When You’re Bored?

We all get bored.

It’s part of being human.

But what we do in those moments, when the phone is quiet, the work is done, the kids are napping, and no one is around, reveals a lot about us.

Most of us, if we’re being honest, default to something easy.

We turn on Netflix. We scroll. We snack. We wander.

We slip into the pool of distractions the world has ready for us all the time.

But here’s a question I’ve been asking myself lately:

Where does my energy go when I’m bored?

Because boredom is not neutral. It’s not passive.

It’s a space. A gap. A moment of decision.

And what we do with that moment shows where our heart is pointed.

The Unseen Hours

I think about this a lot.

Anyone can behave well when other people are watching.

It’s not hard to show up for your job. Or sit in church. Or be kind in public.

But when the door is closed and no one else is around, who are you?

That’s the real test.

And Scripture speaks clearly to it:

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Proverbs 15:3

Even when no one sees, God does.

Even when no one knows, He knows.

And He cares deeply about how we spend our time, especially when no one else is watching.

Boredom and the Battle for the Heart

Let’s be real. For some, boredom leads to things like overeating, wasting hours online, or binging shows.

But for others, it might mean sneaking a drink, pulling up porn, or reaching for something they wish they could hide.

This isn’t to shame anyone.

It’s to say there is a better way.

Because every single one of us is tempted. And every one of us is being shaped by what we do in the quiet hours.

Paul writes in Ephesians:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15–16

That verse has a way of stopping me in my tracks.

God cares about how I spend my time.

He sees it as either wise or foolish.

There’s not really an in-between.

Time Is a Gift

Time is not just something to pass.

It’s a gift. A tool. A resource. A test.

And when we say, “I have nothing to do,” we’re often not telling the truth.

There’s always something to do that gives life. That builds us. That draws us closer to God.

We could go for a walk.

Call someone who needs encouragement.

Learn a new skill.

Read a chapter of Scripture.

Pray for our family or just be still with the Lord.

These things are not flashy.

But they’re powerful.

They feed the soul in a way scrolling never will.

What Story Is Your Boredom Telling?

The truth is, boredom writes a story.

It tells us what we love. What we long for. What we lean on when everything else quiets down.

And Jesus said:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

So where is your heart when no one is looking?

Where is your treasure when you’re alone?

This isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about being honest.

It’s about choosing the direction you want your life to move.

The good news is that God is near.

He is ready to meet you.

He wants to shape your heart, even in the smallest, most private moments.

He Listens to the One Who Seeks Him

Let me leave you with a reminder that challenges me and encourages me at the same time.

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him.”

John 9:31

God hears the one who seeks Him.

He’s not looking for flawless men.

He’s looking for faithful ones.

Men who say, “Lord, I want to give even my free time to You. I want to grow, not waste away.”

So next time boredom hits, ask yourself:

Where is my energy going right now?

And is it helping me become the person I was made to be?

You only get one life.

And every moment matters.