There are many moments in our lives when we think and ask ourselves “Why is this happening to me?” It seems to be a natural thing. Usually, we do not ask that same question to ourselves when everything is going well. When the grass is greener from our side and not from our neighbor’s side. So yes, it might be the case that, at that moment, we are having a bad day. The truth is, we are not the only ones who have a bad day, nor the first, nor the last. The Bible, God’s powerful Word gives us many examples of men and women who experienced this and also gives us the answer on how to deal with that. Let us look at it.
Noah certainly had, at least, a bad day. He lived for 950 years. He spent more than 100 of those years in building the ark, and also let others know about what God was going to do. The flood lasted for a year and ten days (Genesis 8:13-14). All that time, inside a huge box surrounded by all kinds of animals, and his family. But, even with everything that could come to our mind, the Bible clearly teaches us that “Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him” (Genesis 7:5). What did he do after coming out of the ark? He built an altar to thank God (Genesis 8:20).
What about David? Oh, surely he had several bad days. He went from being a shepherd to a warrior. The king he served was not only angry but jealous of him because he slain “ten thousands.” As the text says, “Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:9). To save his life, he was even needed to hide and stay in a cave. David had an opportunity to kill Saul and stop his crazy persecution against him, but what he did? He saved his life. What did David say to Saul? “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee” (1 Samuel 24:12). He kept his word. He did not kill Saul, and when Saul died, what did David do? He lamented his death, and the one of his good friend, Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17). He did not hold grudges to his persecutor and move forward.
Moving quickly into the New Testament, let us check on the apostle Paul. He certainly had bad days during his missionary trips. He described his sufferings to the Christians at Corinth in his second letter (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He is the same man who penned, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). He also wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
So, this takes us to Jesus, what about Him? Did He have a bad day? Every sincere Bible student knows the answer to this question. A man who knew no sin became the lamb that was sacrificed for the sins of the entire humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21). He left His Celestial mansion to dwell among us, and not even have a place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). He fed thousands and the day after many of them were just worried about filling their bellies and not following him and feed their souls with His message. His people decided to give freedom to a criminal than to Him, an innocent man. He was scourged, mocked, and humiliated. He was put on that cross, as a criminal, just as the ones who were crucified at each side of Him. On His worst day, what words came from His mouth? “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). His worst day became our best day. Yes, it looks and sounds odd, but is true. His example of humility and obedience toward the Father is what the Holy Spirit, through the pen of the apostle Paul, wants us to keep in mind every day of our lives (Philippians 2:5-8). Because of His sacrifice, we can look for better days, days that will not exist because, in that beautiful place He went to prepare for us, time does not exist and we will be with Him eternally.
Are you having a bad day? Please think twice before answering. Whatever you think is causing it to be that way, just do what the apostle Peter simply stated,
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you [emphasis added, MR]”
1 Peter 5:6-7.
May you have a wonderful day, God bless you richly today and always, and to Him be the glory always.