Handling
Bad Days
By Dr. Robert Jeffress
When bad days come, most of us want
God to show up and do big things:
miraculous healings, the sudden
and unexpected return of a prodigal,
addictions broken overnight, or a
mountain of financial debt magically
erased. But God usually answers
in less dramatic ways. He offers us
courage to face our illnesses, wisdom
to handle our finances, and grace in
our struggle with sin.
It is with a “still small voice” that God
calls us out of our caves in which we
have hidden. And with a gentle whisper,
God urges us to cry for help during
the storm. But to hear and heed Him,
especially when the wind is howling
and the waves are crashing, we must
learn how to discern and listen to God’s
voice.
David was an extraordinary leader and
the textbook definition of significance.
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But David was not exempt from
experiencing bad days. Perhaps his
worst day is recorded in 1 Samuel 30.
After one of their missions, David and
his men returned to the town of Ziklag
only to discover that the Amalekites
had destroyed their homes and taken
their wives and children. Incredibly
discouraged, David’s men talked openly
about stoning him. Talk about a bad
day! But notice how David responded:
David was greatly distressed because
the people spoke of stoning him, for all
the people were embittered, each one
because of his sons and his daughters.
But David strengthened himself in the
Lord his God. (1 Sam. 30:6)
You may never experience a
devastating house fire, the kidnapping
of a family member, or a mutiny by your
most trusted allies—all on the same
day—but you will inevitably face your
own bad days. Everyone who wants to