
Some days have bad moments and some days start bad and stay that way. That was the day I survived earlier this week.
One bit of bad news spilled over into a computer malfunction when led to several phone calls that sent my blood pressure skyrocketing. I thought maybe if I left the house things would improve. No such change came.
So, I drove one hour for a fifteen minute awkward meeting to drive back again to find even more disappointments at the next meeting. When I sat on the side of my bed, I ended the day by reading a series of emails from irritated acquaintances. Each mishap had its own level of stress but add them all together and you have a no good terrible day.
Do you have days like that?
When our well-planned day shatters into a hundred broken pieces, we often start blaming ourselves and others. Our thoughts drift toward blame and condemnation.
“If only I had left earlier.”
“If she would just listen.”
“If he would have just made the right decision.”
“This day is ruined!”
“They don’t like me.”
“It’s all my fault.”
All of these crossed my mind, but the loudest comment in my head was “You are a failure. There must be something wrong with you.”
Is that what you think when your day gets out of hand? That all of the mishaps and missteps happen because you are not enough? That’s what the enemy would like for us to think.
It’s not true. Mishaps and mistakes happen. We live in a fallen world and the difference between us, God’s girls, and the world is how we move through no good terrible awful times.
Changing your perspective–the way you see things based on who you are and what you do–on bad days Here’s seven things to do when you have a no-good terrible day:
Pray
As my day progressed from bad to worse, I wanted to jump up and down, scream at the top of my lungs and give a few people a piece of my mind. What I needed to do instead was ask God into the break down of my plans. By praying I surrender my control of situation into the hands of the One who controls my day. When we ask God to do the work of changing our situation, He is able to do more than we ever could on our own strength.
Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. (Ephesians 3:20 TLB)
Remember what you know
When the day seems to get out of hand and every well-made plan turns into a struggle, it’s important to remember what we know about who God is. He is in control–of everything. That means every moment of our lives, even the difficult ones. …for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.(Philippians 2:13 ESV)
Whatever is happening is allowed by God for your good and His will.
Take captive your thoughts
For me, when the day starts to screech off the rails and heads for a collision with my thoughts, my mind goes directly to my inadequacies. I wonder what is wrong with me that I couldn’t keep the plans on track. The answer is nothing. Believing the issue is due to my shortcomings is a weapon from the enemy. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV) The defense is taking under control these distorted thoughts and remembering who we are in Christ–a daughter of the One True King. There is nothing wrong with us. In fact, everything is right.
Recall what God has done
When we are in the midst of a no good day, it can feel like it will never end, but it will. Tomorrow is another day and our outlook will be a lot brighter when we remember what God has done in the past. King David had his share of terrible days. When he felt like it would never end, he remembered how God saved and provided for him in the past. But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. (Psalm 77:11-12 TLB) While we endure difficult days, let’s stop and remember all that God has done and will do again.
Rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) The apostle Paul endured more than a bad day. He was beaten, shipwrecked, snake-bit, imprisoned, and chained to a guard. Yet, he continued to rejoice. I learned that the word “rejoice” has roots in the Greek word “char” which means “favorably disposed, leaning toward.” Does that mean favorably lean into our distress? I don’t think so. “Rejoice” is also tied to “charis” which means “grace.” This adds up to leaning toward God’s grace. When a bad day comes, rejoice because God’s grace with get you through.
Choose joy
There was a time in my life when terribly difficult days turned into terribly difficult weeks then months. Each little bump became a wall to knowing joy. I was looking at my circumstances and not Jesus.
Don’t mistake joy for feeling happy in the middle of a bad day. It is that, but the joy I am talking about comes from the Holy Spirit. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 6:22 TLB) Joy is about knowing that even if the day gets worse, we are loved by God and our eternity will not change. In the book of James, the author begins by reminding us to have joy in the midst of trials. Why? Because trials train us to trust in Jesus, our only hope.
Call a friend (or your sister)
Everybody goes through difficult days. No one is immune. That’s why when you call your friend/sister just to vent about your no good terrible day, she wll understand. She is compassionate because she has been there and is not afraid to feel your frustration and anxiety with you. I am thankful for my sister and my sister-in-law. They get me. When I call my sister and start with “I just need to vent,” she listens and the day gets better. God gives us people that help us through difficult days and He gives us to people who have had bad days. God calls us to help and love each other. Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command. (Galatians 6:2 TLB) So, when you call your sister, remember she will be calling you soon. That’s how we share each other’s burdens.
As you read this I pray your day is going smoothly, without bumps and filled with joy. If not, I can relate, and I can also promise that tomorrow will be better. Thankfully, God’s mercies are new every day.
Father God, thank you for days that remind us that you are sovereign, you are in control and you watch over us. Praise you no matter how hard life is we know that we will spend eternity in your presence. Thank you for the people you have placed in our lives that help us endure and help us to provide comfort to them. Amen.
If you need a little reminder to Choose Joy and remember that you are loved, you can download this free printable HERE. It comes in two sizes.

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Photo courtesy of Mohamed Nohassi/Unsplash.
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