I confessed to my church yesterday that I hit the wall last week and had to shut down for a day or two. It came after a string of bad days that included a two-week house repair that was now in its third month, a visit with family that included conversations that drew lines between blue and red perspectives, and getting in the car with my husband to drive over five hours home and discovering ten minutes out that we had a flat tire.

Ever had a bad day that seemed like it wouldn’t go away?

I heard about a couple that was having a really bad day together. They had each had a bad day at work and when they got home, they were arguing a lot. Finally the wife got fed up and told her husband to just write her a note if he really wanted to talk to her. He agreed, so for the rest of the night they passed notes back and forth.

When they went to bed the husband left a note on the kitchen table saying, “Please wake me up at 6 A.M. I have to wake up early for an important meeting.” He went to sleep and all was well.

The next morning he woke up and immediately realized something was wrong. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 9 A.M. He ran to his wife and asked why she didn’t wake him up. She pointed to the table.

Next to his note was another one. He opened it and it said, “Wake up! It’s 6 A.M.”

Yep. That was a really bad day.

Do you know what to do when a bad day comes along? There’s only one thing to do…bless the Lord.

Psalm 103 (New Revised Standard Version)

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name.
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and do not forget all his benefits—

Oh, especially on a bad day, do not forget all of God’s benefits to you! The author of all creation loves you so much he knows the very count of hairs on your head. The One who told the stars where to shine has loved you from the moment of your conception. The Father who sent his only Son to die on the cross was sacrificing it all for your salvation.

³ who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the Pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
⁵ who satisfies you with good as long as you live
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

When I “cried uncle” after my bad day, I took some time to shut down all the cacophony and really focus on my blessings. I came out a few days later feeling renewed and ready.

Next time you’re having a bad day remember who redeems your life from the Pit. Remember who heals you and forgives all of your wrongdoings. Turn to the one who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, and just sit in his presence.

More bad days are likely to come but if you rest in his arms you’ll be renewed and ready, too.