Bad Days: There Is a Psalm for That

by Bob Gaudi

Psalm 46-1: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Do you ever have bad days? I do, and I believe we all have bad days from time to time. You may know the kind of days I’m talking about. Those days when things just do not go right for whatever reason, and in any conceivable manner. Those may be the days when you question yourself, your faith, and even God’s actions. What’s up and why me, God? Am I a good Christian? Am I living up to God’s expectations? Is it even possible to live up to His plans for me? Can I do more, and how can I know if I am pleasing God? Am I worthy of Jesus’ suffering and death for me?

These are hard questions, but there is hope for us. No matter how broken we consider ourselves, it matters not to our God. He is steadfast, and He never changes. It makes no difference what we believe or what we do. He remains the same. Regardless of how disillusioned we may become, He is God and will always be God; His love for us never fails (Psalm 100:5; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 156).

God is true to His word and never turns His back on us. (Psalm 46:1) Be confident in Him and His love and caring for us. Even if you question your faithfulness or His, know this: it changes nothing regarding God. He remains the same, and His love for us endures forever; it never fails. (Psalm 100:5 and Psalm 136) Think about that for a minute! His love for us NEVER fails. God always has your back (or “your six” as we used to say in my Naval aviation days). He is there watching over us. 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and we all have potential and a purpose. We can and will fail from time to time, but God never gives up on us. Recall: Peter denied Jesus three times, yet he became the rock, the foundation on which the Christian church was built. (Matt 16:18)

So remember: bad days happen, and we will stumble, but God catches us. (Psalm 37:23-24) He sustains us, never letting the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22) We are made in His image, and our potential for love and giving of ourselves is limited only by our willingness to serve others. So, regardless of how bad things may seem, do not give up. Focus on Him and what you can do for others. Push yourself beyond what you can imagine and expect miracles. (Eph 3:20) And finally, be assured that God loves you regardless of your bad days. He’s got your six.    

Heavenly Father we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image and that Your love never fails. You never stop being who You are no matter what we do or do not do. Thank you so much for all that you do. You are a wonderful loving Father. Help us to remember that on our bad as well as our good days. In Jesus name. Amen.