My son texted me at 8:00 this morning and said, “Mom, this day stinks.” (Slightly edited version!) I told him it was a little early to “scrub” the whole day! What to do when the day starts out badly and then gets worse?

1.     Realize you have the power to turn this day around. Maybe you can’t change the circumstances taking place, but you can change how you feel about them. And how we feel is what really determines if we’re having a “good day” or a “bad day.” Change your frame of mind. Tell yourself, “Things will get better. I will be able to solve this problem. I will not drown myself in worry. I will look up.”

2.     Set your mind on the Lord. Have you left Him out of this day? Have you left Him out of this problem? Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” (KJV) Remember you are not alone. There is a God in heaven who is watching you right now and who loves you more than you can imagine.

3.     Ask for God’s Help. This is not the same thing as remembering He is with you. Now, actually ASK for His help. He is our “very present help in time of trouble.” He wants to show Himself strong on our behalf. He is ready to show how mighty He is. Whether it’s something big or small, He wants to demonstrate His love for us. But we need to ask Him. Ask Him for the solution, for the miracle.

4.     Give God Praise. This step is guaranteed to turn your day around. Start to give God praise for Who He is, for His greatness, for His power, for His faithfulness, for His incredible love for you. Say these things out loud if possible. Or turn on some Christian music and sing to Him. At the very least, end your prayer for help with praise. Even if you don’t feel like it, if you make your mouth say, “God, I thank You that You are good. I thank You for Your love. I lift You up and give You praise,” your heart attitude will change. I’ve done this. I know it works. Keep speaking out praise until your spirits lift. Your feelings will follow your words, so lead your life well by what you say.

Lead yourself to a better place. Lead yourself to a better day!

Have you talked yourself into a better day before? Do you need try it today?