We’ve all had them…
Those days that feel a bit wonky, weary or downright terrible. Perhaps we wake up out of sorts – as though there really were a right and wrong side to our bed.
Or we wake up exhausted, still wrestling with the worry that plagued us all night long.
Or maybe, as we enter the day, we can’t pinpoint a reason for our emotional discontent. We just feel off.
If you’ve ever felt like that, here are a few verses that have helped me adjust my attitude (or at least gain a new perspective) on those funky, fretful, not-so-great kind of days.
Scriptural Pep-Talks
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalm 42:11
Spiritual self-talk worked for David, and I’ve found it helpful as well… Do a “hope-check” – where are you putting your trust? In a person, in an outcome, in yourself? They will fail you every time. Put your hope in God and His ability to cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NASU).
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Remember, you’re not alone. You have a Father who loves you, and He’s looking out for you. He knows what your future holds, for He’s already there working on your behalf. Your past isn’t an obstacle – He’s forgiven you and He’s busy redeeming wasted years, so that’s covered as well. As for your present? “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Your inadequacies and weaknesses do not disqualify you for God’s best. Just cry out to Him for help and allow Him to give you strength to overcome as well as a new perspective. Whatever you’re facing today, God is bigger. Even if the obstacle before you is of your own making, remember this: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t get “worked up.” Instead, look up! Take the emotional energy and time you’re wasting on worry and use it for prayer. Lay out your needs and ask God to show you what to do or not do in the situation. Remember, “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
The Sustaining Love of God
I wish I could say that I have this all figured out and no longer experience terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. But, wow, that would be so dishonest.
This post was inspired by the funky mood I woke up in several days ago. The weird thing is that I’m not going through anything terrible or even difficult. My life’s pretty amazing right now, and I have so much to be thankful for. Still…
“I feel emotionally discombobulated, Lord,” I wrote in my journal this morning. Discombobulated. It means:
Discombobulate [dis-kuh m-bob-yuh-leyt]
To confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate: The speaker was completely discombobulated by the hecklers.
The enemy of our soul is certainly a “heckler,” but life and my own traitorous flesh often leave me confused and disconcerted, frustrated and upset.
I’m so glad that we have a Father who’s always there to help us. A Comforter who comes alongside to strengthen and guide. And a strong Older Brother on whom we can lean when we feel like we’re going to fall.
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’” David wrote in Psalm 94:18-19 (perhaps referring to one of his own terrible-no-good-days), “your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
I have to say, just looking up verses this morning really helped calm my unsettled heart. If you need support and consolation today, you might want to turn to the Word of God as well. For the same Love who helped David is more than willing to help you and me.
Below, you’ll find a link to a FREE PRINTABLE with the verses I’ve mentioned. Hang it strategically around your house as a reminder to “put your hope in God!”
{ Scriptures for No Good Very Bad Days }
Tips for Turning Around a Terrible Day
Let me leave you with four practical tips I’ve found useful in battling the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days that visit us all:
- Refuse to entertain self-pity or despair – nip ‘em in the bud, stop them at the door. Replace negative thoughts with God’s promises.
- Do what you can do – is there something that you can do about the things weighing on your heart? Do it.
- Trust God with the rest – after you’ve done your part, you can be confident God will take care of His part. Relax. Breathe. Smile.
- Stop looking inward and look outward – have lunch with a friend, visit a shut-in, do something for someone else. Refuse to isolate.
Remember, bad days – even terrible-no-good days – don’t last forever. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is “It came to pass…” Hard days may come, but they will pass, my friend. Meanwhile, hold tight to Jesus’ hand.
That’s good advice no matter what kind of day we’re having.
I’d love to hear from you…what verse(s) or tips do you have for turning around a terrible-no-good-day?