A bad day?

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, has developed a formula to determine the worst day of the year. One factor is the time elapsed since Christmas, after the holiday glow has given way to the reality of credit-card bills. 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, January 24 received the dubious distinction of being "the most depressing day of the year."

Christians are not immune to the effects of weather and post-holiday letdown, but we do have a resource that can change our approach to any day. Psalm 118 recounts a list of distress (v.5), national insecurity (v.10), and spiritual chastening (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. – David McCasland

"What a day to be alive!"

A friend has often said to me;

And I respond with head held high:

"Alive in Christ, yes, that’s the key." – Hess

READ: Psalm 118:15-24

Welcome each day as a gift from God.