According to researchers, today (the third Monday in January) is the worst day of the year. Apparently, by this date, winter seems too long, the days are too short, the stress of Christmas has caught up to us and it is usually minus 35 outside.
Fortunately, today things do not look that bad. In fact, it is bright and sunny, the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark and we have not had too shovel a lot of snow yet. However, just in case the researchers are right and you are struggling today, here are some thoughts that may lift your spirits.
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
- “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
- “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
- “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-7).
I have been through enough trouble in my life to know that one scripture, pulled out of context, is not a magic cure for all our problems. However, I also know that reflecting on God’s word can redirect our minds from our problems to his promises and in that we can find hope.
Therefore, it is my prayer that, no matter what you are going through, big or small, you can find God’s peace and hope for this day.
As Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” – even if it is the middle of January.
Fortunately, today things do not look that bad. In fact, it is bright and sunny, the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark and we have not had too shovel a lot of snow yet. However, just in case the researchers are right and you are struggling today, here are some thoughts that may lift your spirits.
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
- “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
- “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
- “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-7).
I have been through enough trouble in my life to know that one scripture, pulled out of context, is not a magic cure for all our problems. However, I also know that reflecting on God’s word can redirect our minds from our problems to his promises and in that we can find hope.
Therefore, it is my prayer that, no matter what you are going through, big or small, you can find God’s peace and hope for this day.
As Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” – even if it is the middle of January.
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