Dr Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, has developed a formula to determine the worst day of the year. One factor is the time it takes for the joy of Christmas to be replaced with the stress of credit card bills and busy work schedules. Gloomy winter weather, short days and the failure to keep New Year’s resolutions are also a part of Dr Arnall’s calculations. Last year 24 January received the title of: ‘the most depressing day of the year’.

Christians are not immune to the effects of weather and post holiday blues, but we do have a resource that can change our approach to any day. Psalm 118 recounts a list of difficulties including personal distress (v.5), national insecurity (v.10) and spiritual discipline (v.18), yet it goes on to declare, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (v.24).

The psalm is filled with a celebration of God’s goodness and mercy in the midst of trouble and pain. Verse 14 comes as a shout of triumph: “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”

Even when circumstances hang a sign on our calendar saying “Bad Day!” the Creator enables us to thank Him for the gift of life and to receive each day with joy.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread