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?
Powerful Post! I know exactly the feeling expressed of those days. It is so amazing how they can come when you suppose to be celebrating blessings, success and good seasons- Thank You Lord for using Joanna to speak to my spirit today. Here’s my take….
“Don’t get “worked up.” Instead, look up! Take the emotional energy and time you’re wasting on worry and use it for prayer.”
The enemy of our soul is certainly a “heckler”. The tips are certainly a prescription that will assist me through those “discombobulated” days!
Thanks for sharing, Julie. I think you hit it on the head for me – “they come when you’re supposed to be celebrating blessings, success and good seasons.” I’ve been asking the Lord to help me truly celebrate the good things and not just move on to the next thing.
Sometimes when we wake up, or start having a bad day, we tell ourselves in our things that comes in our mind, just say out loud, “NO”, it does help us to look to our Savior ,Jesus Christ.
Great tip, Sharon! Speaking our choice out loud really helps – “No, I will not get absorbed with anything except you Jesus!” Appreciate you reminding me of this today.
Great post!! I find having the Word of God open at all times or cards with verses on them laying around and my eyes falling on the words as I walk by several times in my day really help my mind stay focused on Him too. Keeping praise music on quietly is a great distraction to worry as well. ☺ Then their words go over my worried mind or unsettled heart and praise builds. ♡ I love the verses you mentioned! A great verse I often think of is “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Whatever season we’re in will pass and God amazing things to show us through it all. Just ask Him to open your eyes to see His incredible goodness through it.
Love these ideas, Lisa! I put on praise music the morning I was struggling and it really ministered to my heart. And I love the verse you shared – God has wonderful things for us, more than we can imagine. They may not always come “here” but oh, how glorious “there” is going to be! And “there” is so much closer than we know.
Having one of those days. God always knows what I need on these days. Been in so much pain from just stumping my toe and having rough nights at work but I still am able to be a witness and tell people when they ask me how I am that I am fine, that God has this too. Thank you Joanna..
Ah, Peggy, I feel your pain. So hard to manage life when your exhausted and hurting. You’ll be in my prayers.
Thank you, Joanna! This is perfect and so very appreciated. I am learning that in the face of panic and fear over my situation, that the best thing is to stand on the truth of God’s word. Sometimes I forget to do this but when I remember, I say aloud “I do not accept these feelings. I stand instead on the truth of God’s word which says [then aloud say the verse or verses God calls to my mind].” It helps me to be more aware of these attacks and confident in my ability to face them. BUT really, I don’t have to face them do I … I just stand on God’s truth and turn these attacks over to Him!
Great tips, Denise! I’m finding that there is so much power in rebuking the fear out loud, but I love how you phrased it “I do not accept these feelings” then quoting the verse God gives you. Rejecting the feeling is such a huge step that I don’t always take. Thanks!
Thank you for the wonderful tips and reminders. I am grateful that God’s perspective is so much bigger than mine. We need to “Take captive every thought…” 2 Cor. 10:5. I am going to share your post. Love you. God bless you today.
Thanks, my friend! And happy 25th anniversary to you!! What a beautiful accomplishment. So blessed by you and George!
We don’t have to freak out but seek out! Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything will be added unto you Matthew 6:33. We need to do this before our feet hit the floor we can choose to adore Him by thinking on the good things. Worshipping is great but not as background music but worship as the focal point. Getting aligned with Him even when it’s a weird day helps.
Amen, Chanda! Thanks for the great tip. It’s sometimes easier to say than do, but it is definitely a spiritual muscle we need to exercise. Blessings!
How beautiful thanks for sharimg scrptures n your heart. God uses you more than you will ever know this side of heaven
Becky Puyallup Wa
Thank you, Becky. That means a lot. Praying that the Lord wraps His arms around you extra tight today! Blessings.
I love this! So glad I stumbled across your blog — it’s wonderful to meet you! Bookmarking this for sure. <3
I’m so glad God brought you my way, Lauren! Praying God’s blessing on you and all you do for Him.
Perfect words for me today. We have experienced great losses, both in the past and currently. God is always faithful when we put our trust in Him! Thanks for sharing.
Sweet Laurie, I’m so sorry for what you’re walking through. I’m glad the verses ministered to you. You’ll be in my prayers.
Dear Joanne, I enjoy your writings very much… my small group is savoring the Mary, Martha, Lazarus series. I bring up my small group to add a bullet point to your article… “open up”, too many Christians put on a ‘happy face’ when anguish is behind the smile, part of ‘let not your hearts be troubled’ is trusting God & other Christians with our ‘hidden needs’ and a way to find trustworthy people is in a small group. Also, the heart can have ‘attacks’ physically, so to can our brain ‘hurt’ psychologically… seek out a licensed mental health counselor and/or Doctor if the anguish lingers. When we open up about our need within us, we can find support and healing.