We’ve all had them, bad days when nothing seems to go our way. Some days feel as if the world is conspiring against us. Unfortunately, we often endure a series of difficult days.
Today, my day started with an email informing me that my direct deposit had been substantially reduced due to my own error in adjusting tax withholdings. Thus, I was left wondering how I would pay my bills. Next, I lost a brand new, expensive contact lens. After searching far too long, I realized I wouldn’t find it. So, I put in a worn-out, blurry one. I was running late, so in my haste, I spilled my breakfast smoothie down the front of me. It was everywhere: on the counter, down the front of the cabinets, and all over the floor. As I stood frozen, staring at the clock with smoothie dripping into my shoes, I surveyed my disaster of a kitchen and burst into tears, knowing I would be late for work.
Once I had calmed down, I recalled reading Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day to my first-grade class. They giggled and rolled on the floor as Alexander struggled through arguments with his siblings, gum in his hair, and a marathon day of difficulties. All the while, Alexander kept proclaiming he was moving to Australia, as if this would solve all his problems. At the end of the book, Alexander’s mom hugged him and said, “Some days are like that.” Yep, we can all nod our heads and agree.
While reminiscing, I remembered that the book inspired my class to rename our “cool-off corner “ Australia.” Then, I heard God’s Spirit whisper that there were some lessons I could take from the book. Sometimes, all we need is a hug, encouraging words, and a time out.
A Hug On Bad Days
God longs to be close to us and spend time with us on good and bad days. Thus, we can go to God when we need a hug on difficult days. God will hold us in his arms and offer comfort because He loves us. “He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love . . . His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me!” (Song of Solomon 2:4 and 6, ESV).
My Acronym for God’s hug:
- H-held
- U-until
- G-God moves
For a more detailed explanation, read HUG—Held Until God Moves.
Encouragement On Bad Days
Drawing near to God provides us with the peace of His presence. During this time, we can listen for His Spirit to whisper words of encouragement. Another way to hear God’s words is to read the Bible. God’s Word is full of wisdom, encouragement, promises, and stories of redemption and victory.
Here are just a few examples:
- “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV).
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).
To read more verses, click here: What the Bible Says About Encouragement.
A Time Out On Bad Days
I always set up a quiet space in my classroom for students to take a time-out. Their “Australia” is not intended to be a place for punishment, but rather a space to cool off, breathe, and regain emotional balance on tough days.
As adults, we may also long to run away to Australia, or anywhere else, to avoid our problems. Running rarely accomplishes much, but we may benefit from time to cool off, breathe, and count our blessings. When we focus on God’s blessings instead of the problems, gratitude grows in our hearts.
Time Out for Gratitude on a Bad Day
I always set up a quiet space in my classroom for students to take a time-out. Their “Australia” is not intended to be a place for punishment but to allow them space to cool off, breathe, and regain emotional balance on tough days.
We adults also long to run away to Australia, or anywhere else, to avoid our problems. Running rarely accomplishes much, but we may benefit from a time-out to cool off, breathe, and count our blessings. When we focus on God’s blessings instead of the problems, gratitude grows in our hearts.
When I took a time-out to breathe and relax on my bad day, I realized I took too many things for granted. I had clean clothes and shoes to change into, a job to be late for, and a car to drive me there, just to name a few. As gratitude towards God grew in my heart, I felt the heaviness of my bad day lighten.
The world reminds us to “stop and smell the roses.” As Christians, we can pause and look for God’s gifts. We can thank God when we see a sunset, hear a baby’s laughter, smell a flower, taste a soothing cup of tea, or feel a hug. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17, NIV).
As we sense God’s gifts, gratitude will change our hearts, and our lousy day will become a good one. “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” – Dr. Robert Holden.
To learn more about Gratitude, read Renew Your Mood with Gratitude.
Parting Words
Dear friend, God never promised us an easy life. Bad days happen. However, when we seek Him, we will be held and supported by His peace and presence. When we listen to His Word, we will be encouraged. Close your eyes and picture this: “His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm” (Psalm 91:4, TPT).
Finally, when we have a bad day, we can take a time-out to breathe. A few things may have gone wrong, but God has given us so many blessings! When we thank God, our gratitude has the power to stop a bad day in its tracks!
